Fr Richard D'Souza

Mangaluru, March 9: Mangalore Diocese Catechism day and felicitation to the toppers in catechism exam was organized by Mangala Jyothi at Pastoral Institute Shanthikiran Bajjodi on Sunday March 8.

The programme began with a solemn eucharistic celebration presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza the bishop of Mangaluru. Fr Pius OCD the director of Rishivana in his homily highlighted the need of church and the relevance of catechism in the life of a christian.

During the formal programme held after the mass, Fr Vijay Machado the director of Mangala Jyothi welcomed the gathering, announced the results of the exam, appreciated the efforts of teachers and thanked the sponsors of the programme.

Toppers in diocesan catechism exam were awarded by the bishop with mementos and certificates. In his presidential address the bishop said, Jesus came to this world and showed the way to heaven through the church. The church has the responsibility of nurturing the faith of the faithful. He requested the parents to encourage their children to attend catechism classes and also inspired them to choose the consecrated life.

Cyril and his wife Stella D'souza shared about life in their family, their dealings with their children, and their responsibilities toward children especially towards spiritual life. The family is the basic unit of the church. We need to build and nurture faith in the family they said.

Sr Cecilia Mendonca BS in her chief guest address spoke about the relevance of consecrated life and encouraged children to yield to the voice of God and commit oneself to the service of God.
George D'souza who served in Mangala Jyothi for 21 years has now taken VRS. Winners of the essay writing competition organized for teachers were felicitated by the bishop. A DVD Jevitacho Undo was released and Vinod Gangoli was felicitated at the occasion.

Dr A P D'souza the bishop of Mangaluru, Fr Victor Machado director Pastoral Institute, Fr Pius D'souza OCD director of Rishivana, Cyril and Stella D'souza, Sr Cicilia Mendonca BS and Fr Vijay Machado director Mangala Jyothi were present on the dais.

Christians pray for India at United Christian Prayer for India 

A special prayer service for India was organized by United Christian Prayer For India (UCPFI) on Sunday March 8 from 4.30 to 7.00 pm, at Urwa Church Hall Mangaluru. The bishops, pastors and the faithful from catholic, protestant and evangelical churches participated in the prayer service which included praise and worship, penitential rite, reflection on the word of God, intercessory prayers for the nation, state, for justice and harmony in the society, public service personnel and for the whole world.

Dr A P D'souza the bishop welcomed the gathering, Dr J S Sadananda Bishop Emeritus CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese presented his views on the power of prayer, Fr Winfred Amanna pastor Bokkapatna CSI Church, pastor Suresh M of Karnataka Mission Network, and Fr Leo Lasrado professor St Joseph Seminary led the intercessory prayers. The prayer was concluded with benediction given by the bishop Mangaluru.