Report : Ajith Peter Dsouza
Pics: Eric Permapalli
Daijiworld Media Network

Dubai, Dec 8: It was a moment of communion and joy for the Associations belonging to the diocese of Udupi and working for the promotion of konkanni Culture in Dubai when they came together under one roof for a common cause. Around 50 leaders from as many as 15 associations gathered together in India club, Dubai on December 6th to discus about the Vision, Mission and the immediate needs of the Diocese of Udupi. Fr Denis D’Sa who was on a private visit to Dubai had convened this meeting at the request of his Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. Walter Nandalike, Dayan Mukamar and the leaders of Karaval Milan had organized this meeting of office bearers of various associations with a short notice. The response was over whelming.

The meeting began with prayer and the opening remarks by the M.C Rony Byndoor. Walter Nandalike was invited to introduce Fr Denis D’Sa, the PRO of Udupi Diocese as well as the Parish Priest of Kuntalnagar Parish. Walter lauded the services rendered by Fr Denis at Udyavar, Bejai, Rosario and Narampady Parishes. He acclaimed the wonderful work done at Sandesha and Father Muller medical college and related colleges. These institutions were given a sense of direction after who took over and he was instrumental in getting a global recognition for them. Walter gave a right direction to the meeting so that faithful of Mangalore and udupi Dioceses work unitedly for the same mission.

Then Fr Denis was invited to address the gathering. Fr Denis D’Sa began with a note of appreciation for the support extended by the various associations in the past to the undivided diocese of Mangalore, to him in a very special way when he came along with a troupe from Sandesha for a performance in Dubai. He was especially appreciative of the support extended by Karaval Milan and Walter Nandalike through his website, which infact was the turning point for Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education.

Talking on the purpose of this meeting he said, it is to create awareness about the Diocese and the Diocesan immediate and necessary projects, among the various associations and among the faithful who live in Dubai and other countries. He said, whether Mangalore or Udupi Diocese, we work for the same mission. He also said people who live in Gulf countries have been very generous and have played a major role in the welfare and development of both the diocese. But the need of the hour is that these associations come together and reach out to udupi Diocese since it is in its infancy stage and in need of basic infra structures like the Pastoral Center, a Minor seminary, Retired priests home, Bishop’s House, A medical relief fund etc. Fr Denis with the help of the PPt narrated the various projects of the diocese and sought the support of the associations along with the persons who have been helping out various projects of undivided diocese of Mangalore. Fr Denis also presented the blue print of the projects as well as the cost involved.

In a vibrant interaction that followed the presentation, the members present expressed their whole hearted support to the diocese in unison with the slogan “Let us Build the Diocese first”. There were also some issues and concerns that featured very strongly at the meeting. Many were of the opinion that the bishop should not permit any construction of churches/building of huge budget for the next 5-10 years since many priests come here with such projects which may drain out the financial resources of the people. The focus should be the diocese and not individual churches. The old architectural churches should be retained as long as they accommodate its faithful.

Walter suggested that there should be similar awareness created among the faithful of all Gulf Countries by a team of Bishop Gerald. There was also a suggestion that there should be projects by the diocese like to generate some income for the diocese.

The members felt that this meeting should be taken to the next level and people of goodwill from all dioceses should be brought into this fold and when Bishop himself meets this group next there should be a clear decision to take up one or two projects. Dayan Mukamar was asked to take the lead along with the office bearers of all the associations.

As a token of their support to Udupi Diocese and to set the ball rolling the Karaval Milan office bearers announced a sum of Rupees 10 lakhs towards the projects of udupi Diocese. The others said that they would discuss this in their meetings and extend their support soon. The meeting came to an end with Fr Denis thanking everyone present. He specially thanked Walter Nandalike, Dayan Mukamar, Wilson D’Sa and Karaval Milan team for organizing this meeting with a very short notice.