News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Apr 27: Model Bank Limited in the city celebrated its centenary on April 26. The centenary thanksgiving Eucharist was celebrated at Our Lady of Egypt Church, Kalina by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of diocese of Mangaluru, and con-celebrated by Dr Henry D’Souza, bishop of diocese of Bellary,Dr Gerald Almeida, bishop of diocese of Jabalpur, Dr John Rodrigues, auxiliary bishop of Mumbai and eight other priests followed by a fellowship at St Mary’s Junior College Hall, Santacruz East, here.

Master of Ceremony of the programme Jude Lobo welcomed the shareholders, guests, dignitaries and special guests. The programme commenced with lighting of the lamp by bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Gerald Almeida, bishop Henry D’Souza, John D’Silva, founder chairman of the bank, Albert D’Souza chairman, William Sequeira, vice chairman, William D’Souza general manager and CEO of the bank and Ryan Branco first staff of Model Co-op Bank.

The founder president of Mangalorean Catholic Co-op Credit Society Ltd, late Francis Anthony Cyril Rebello, from 1916 – 1925 was honoured with the garlanding of his portrait by the chairman Albert W D’Souza and vice chairman William J Sequeira.

The special guests were felicitated with floral tributes and plaques. The chairman felicitated the past directors prof A P D’Souza (past vice chairman and director), Philip Pinto (past professional director), Felix Barnes (past director), Henry D’Silva (past director), Lazarus Menezes (Sr past director, who was not present here due to a personal commitment elsewhere), late Francis Aranha, through his wife Josephine Aranha, and Francis J Vaz former general manager. The chairman also felicitated Dr Fr Charles Vas, SVD, Sangeet Abhinay Academy and Herald Reginald Alva, proprietor of Maria Advertisers Mangaluru.

The management and staff of the bank felicitated the chairman Albert D’Souza at the hands of the bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza. William D'Souza, general manager and CEO read the congratulatory messages received from His Eminence cardinal Oswald Gracias, bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of Mumbai, former director Lazarus Menezes and former secretary of Mangalorean Catholic Credit Society Ltd, Ronald Mathias.

Albert D’Souza, chairman gave the welcome address and congratulated the shareholders for their trust and leading us towards the growth in business and excellence in the banking industry. He gave credit to the founders and all those who have worked hard for the growth of the bank over the years.

Bishop Henry D'Souza, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the value of Co-operative Banking and the excellent progress made by the bank. He stated that the Model Bank should be a model in honesty and sincerity always favouring people and should use the latest technology to continue to grow. Bishop Gerald Almeida, in his address congratulated the bank and management for growth in the society and bank and saluted the founders for their determination to succeed in the growth of the society.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, congratulated and rendered his good wishes to chairman and Board of Directors of the Bank. He said that the Lord has showered great blessings on this institution which is a model for other co-operative banks.

Founder chairman John D'Silva shared the genesis of the bank. He mentioned that in the early 20th century many Mangalureans had come to Mumbai for employment. Some of them became entrepreneurs and there was need for finance. It was a good time to start credit societies and late Francis Anthony Cyril Rebello founded Mangalorean Catholic Co-op Credit Society Ltd on April 26, 1916 along with other founder committee members. Reserve Bank of India gave approval on June 15, 1998 to convert the Mangalorean Catholic Co-op Credit Society into a bank.

Present on the occasion were additional general manager, Harold M Serrao as well as dignitaries Henry Lobo, Alice Therathil, Johnson Therathil, Justice Aloysius Aguiar, Anthony Sequeira, Fredrick J D'Souza, Lawrence Coelho and Susan Coelho. Vice chairman William Sequeira proposed the vote of thanks.

A cultural programme was organized by Dr Fr Charles Vas and his talented troupe Sangeet Abhinay Academy. The ceremony culminated with singing of the National Anthem followed by dinner and fellowship.