Media Release

Udupi, Sep 30: In a unique initiative, priests of the Udupi Catholic Diocese who are usually engaged in pastoral and religious services stepped onto the cricket field after Sunday’s Holy Mass to participate in the Vianney Cup cricket tournament held at the St Mary’s English Medium School ground, Kannarpady.

The tournament was organised with the full support and cooperation of bishop Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, bishop of the Udupi Catholic Diocese. Five teams — Vianney Titans, Vianney Challengers, Vianney Capitals, Vianney Warriors and Vianney Super Kings — competed in the knockout-format tournament.

Around 60 priests and deacons took part in the four-over cricket tournament. The Vianney Super Kings emerged champions, while Vianney Capitals finished as runners-up.

Deacon Stephen D’Souza of Pamboor Church was adjudged the player of the match, while Fr Jojo of Holy Cross Seminary, Katapady, won the player of the tournament award.

Priests from various religious congregations, including the Holy Cross, Carmelites, Salesians of Don Bosco and Capuchins, also participated in the tournament along with priests of the Udupi diocese.

The tournament was inaugurated by Monsignor Francis F Lewis, vicar general of the diocese, who conveyed his best wishes to the participants.

Chancellor of the diocese Fr Stephen D’Souza, retired priest Fr Alphonse D’Lima, public relations officer Fr Denis D’Sa, Shirva Zone dean Fr Charles Menezes, and priests from various churches of the diocese were present on the occasion.