Pics: Jason Fernandes

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, May 18: The Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh (R), Bondel Unit organised an inter-parish volleyball tournament on May 18 at 9 am at the St Lawrence School ground, Bondel. The event was held in aid of St Lawrence Kannada Medium School education.

The programme commenced with an opening prayer led by Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, parish priest and spiritual director of the Catholic Sabha. The tournament was inaugurated by chief guest Pradeep D'Souza, deputy director, department of youth empowerment and sports, Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru.

Sujay D’Silva, president of the Bondel Unit, welcomed the dignitaries on the dais and presented them with mementoes as a token of appreciation. He also extended a warm welcome to the attendees.

In his address, Pradeep D'Souza encouraged youth to actively consider careers in government service, highlighting the wide range of opportunities across various sectors. He said government jobs offer stability, financial security, and a meaningful platform to serve the community and the nation. He urged the youth to stay informed, prepare with dedication, and take advantage of the various schemes, training programmes, and recruitment drives available to build a bright and purposeful future.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, in his message, commended the Catholic Sabha’s initiatives for community welfare and education. He noted that last year, the Sabha donated desks to St Lawrence Kannada Medium School, and this year, they plan to provide school uniforms, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to student welfare. He praised the Sabha's selfless service and its positive impact on the parish community, and wished them continued success.

Other dignitaries present on the dais included Pradeep D'Souza, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, Helen Fernandez, headmistress of St Lawrence Kannada Medium School, John D'Silva, vice president, and Santosh, secretary of the parish pastoral council.

The chief guests for the prize distribution ceremony were Fr William D'Souza, outgoing assistant parish priest, Stany Alvares, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Arun D'Souza, president of Catholic Sabha City Deanery, Sujay D'Silva, president of the Bondel Unit, Olivia D'Sa, secretary, and Manish Mascarenhas, convener of the tournament.

A total of 16 parishes from Mangalore and Udupi dioceses participated in the tournament. The first prize of Rs 25,000 and a trophy was awarded to Pangla Parish from the Udupi Diocese. The second prize of Rs 15,000 and a trophy went to Maniyampare Parish from the Mangalore Diocese. Special trophies were presented for the Best All-Rounder, Best Smasher, and Best Setter.

Prizes were distributed by Fr Peter Gonsalves.

The event was compered by Wilfred Alvares, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Olivia D’Sa.

Special gratitude was extended to Fr Peter Gonsalves for providing the school ground and for his support in hosting the tournament. Appreciation was also conveyed to Henry Menezes and Lorina for their work on the volleyball court development. Thanks were extended to Rudy Pinto for leading the cleanliness drive, as well as to Manesh Mascarenhas, Vinod Pinto, Jason Fernandes, Alrick D'Silva and all Catholic Sabha members for their contributions.

At the end of the tournament, Fr William D’Souza was felicitated with a garland, shawl, and memento by the Catholic Sabha in appreciation of his one year of dedicated service to the parish. The event concluded with a thanksgiving hymn.