Never forget your roots, says Archbishop to expats in Canada

Media Release

Calgary, Jun 1: Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras was on a private visit to his family in Caglary, Canada and offered mass at St Thomas More Church.

More than 250 faithful attended the mass. Fr Melvin, OCD, assisantt pastor of St Thomas More and Fr Melcom of St Marks parish concelebrated the mass with Archbishop Moras.

Many leaders and members from Calgary Kannada Shanga, Calgary Goan Club, The Canorient Christian Association (Calgary Chapter) attended the mass. After the mass everyone was served with light snacks and followed by the dinner with Archbishop Moras.

Calgary Konkans Teens lead the choir under the leadership of Nicole and Aaron.

Short programme was compered by Vincent Pinto of Calgary Konkans. Welcome dance was performed by Chakita of Calgary Kannada Shangha. The oldest among the guests Calgary Mangalorean, Willaim Andrade, 97 years, sang a song in Kannada.

Archbishop also addressed the guests during the programme. “While we build our lives elsewhere and make advances in our lives, never forget our roots and always go back and recall our humble beginnings," he said.

"We have to give to our children the values that our parents have given us," he added.

He also pointed out on the persecution of church in India and special note on freedom to practice religion and live our faith. The Archbishop also prayed for Bangalore Archdiocese and people of Karnataka and requested Calgarians to continue praying .

Finally, Jerry Moras and family thanked all performers and all contributors for the programme who made it successful.