Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Mar 13: Catholic Sabha, Mangaluru diocese organized its members' convention in the premises of St Lawrence Church, Bondel here on Sunday March 13.

Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese along with other dignitaries formally inaugurated the convention by lighting the lamp.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru said, "God has been kind and blessed this organization for the past 37 years. When this organisation was started I had noticed two qualities, that is concern for the community and love towards the community. There is a need for more political representation for our community. We have MLA and MLC from our community and they work not only for our community but for all the people. We have to protect our community. We have to be selfless and work for its betterment."

Walter D'Souza, former president of Catholic Sabha, Mangaluru said, "The difference between Catholic Sabha and other organisations is, right at the beginning we had a vision about what we wanted to do and where we wanted to be, and we have reached our goal today. I feel really happy to see such a huge gathering here today. When we started there were only about 15 to 20 people.

"Today when atrocities on our community are increasing, there is a need to increase our awareness about law, our rights and thereby makes ourselves stronger. There is a need to give serious thought in this context. According to the Word of God, Catholic Sabha and the whole community have to work towards the betterment of all, irrespective of religion. I urge the bishop to provide us land so that we can have a building from where we can continue our service to society. About 35 percent of free education and 28 percent of free healthcare is given at Christian private schools and private hospitals."

Oscar Fernandes, Rajya Sabha MP and founder president of Catholic Sabha said, "This organization was started under the leadership of the bishop. If today Catholic Sabha has been successful, it is because of the sacrifice and commitment of many. As Christ said, 'what you do unto others is as you do to me'. Whether you contest in panchayat, assembly or council elections, what you do for people is important irrespective of any factor. Government has implemented many schemes for the betterment of the poor. We have to strive to ensure that these schemes reach the general public."

Mayor Harinath, winners of the recent zilla and taluk panchayat elections and many others were felicitated on the occasion.

MLC Ivan D'Souza, Fr Mathew Vas, spiritual director of Catholic Sabha, Fr Andrew D'Souza, parish priest of Bondel Church, Flavy D'Souza, president of Catholic Sabha and others were present.