Media Release
Mysore, Nov 9: Around 225 gram panchayat members from the Catholic community in the state were felicitated by the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC) at St Joseph’s Cathedral hall here recently.
Justice B V Pinto, who was recently elevated as the judge to the High Court, was felicitated on the occasion by Archbishop Bernard Moras with a shawl, Mysore peta and a sandalwood garland. The panchayat members were honoured with a memento, ‘Gram’ book on the Panchayat Raj system and a rosary.
Gram panchayat members from all over the state gathered for a seminar and the felicitation function. The seminar was inaugurated by Archbishop Bernard Moras, who is also the president of the KRCBC. In his message he encouraged the members to aim high and spread Christian values with their good and responsible leadership. Bishop Peter Machado of Belgaum diocese, Msgr. Marie Joseph, vicar general of Mysore diocese, Fr Faustine L. Lobo, coordinator of KRPPC and the PRO for the Church in Karnataka, Fr Freddie Antoraj, the secretary of the Laity Commission and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
The felicitation function was organized by the Laity Commission of the KRCBC with the help of the diocese of Mysore. Fr J B Xavier was the chief coordinator of the programme and compered the sessions.
George William D’ Souza highlighted the qualities and responsibilities of a gram panchayat member. He urged the members to learn continuously and lead the people with concern for their needs. He insisted that a leader is one who is concerned about others and is ready to take responsibility for the welfare of the community. Armed with the knowledge of the Constitutional rights and the laws, the leader must work for justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, he said.
The afternoon session had a skit on the panchayat Raj system which was followed by a question-and-answer session with J Alexander, former state minister, and David Simeon, ex-speaker of the Vidhana Parishat. Fr Faustine L Lobo moderated the session.
T John, MLC and former minister was the chief guest at the valedictory. He congratulated the Church for having taken this step to encourage the political leaders. Bishop Thomas Vazhapilly of Mysore diocese wished the members well and bishop Peter Machado thanked the gathering for their participation in the programme.