Mangalore: Bishop of Karnataka Southern Diocese Felicitated
 
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (RS/SP) 
 
Mangalore, Oct 9: The newly ordained Bishop of Karnataka Southern Diocese, Dr John Stephen Sadananda, was honoured by Sandesha foundation, Mangalore Christian Council, and Mangalore Diocesan Ecumenical Council at Sandesha hall,  on Thursday October 8.
 
Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, felicitated Dr John Stephen Sadananda. 
 

“Dr John Stephen Sadananda’s experience with the pastoral leadership and the commitment to the society of spiritual values have been leading him on the path towards achieving his motto of serving the people,” said Bishop Aloysius Paul D Souza. 
 
Chief guest, Prof B A Vivek Rai, former vice-chancellor of Hampi University and Karnataka State Open University, said that the new Bishop is endowed with the capacity, skills and the will to lead the community, duly conserving religious harmony. “His vision with his mission will lead the way, as he is a person, who has committed himself to the service of the people,” he explained.
 
Rai added that religion does not just mean the activities of preaching and worshipping, but also casts upon the concerned, the responsibilities of protecting religious harmony and reaching out to the minds of the people. Religious harmony is very much needed at this juncture, as the society is hurt because of communal disturbances, he noted.                  
 
Bishop C L Furtado, Bishop Emeritus, said that ecumenism movement will get a new look with the new Bishop, who has a personality that is reinforced with knowledge and spiritual values as well as his vision of an effective leadership. 
 
He is the person committed to pastoral leadership, towards building a community of love, compassion and justice. He is also a person, who is rich with his thoughts, theological and spiritual convictions, said Fr Dennis D’Sa, administrator of Fr Muller College and Hospital, in his felicitation address.
 
Bishop J S Sadananda, speaking after the felicitation said,  “My motto is to work together with emeritus , which brings meaning to life".
 
Fr Valerian Mendonca, director of ‘Sandesha’ welcomed.  Treasurer of Mangalore Christian Council, F M Lobo, proposed vote of thanks. Fr J B Saldhanha was also present.   
 
The programme started with a prayer dance, presented by ‘Sandesha’ students and prayer service by Sr Assumpta B S and her group of sisters.