Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Mangaluru, Dec 10: “Diocesan Pastoral Parishad is the expression of the vision of the communion and solidarity in the church. The diocese of Mangalore is indeed a vibrant community built on the fundamental principles of faith, mutual cooperation, on-going dialogue and discernment of the God’s will. I appreciate you all for bearing witness to faith through your service and togetherness,” said Cardinal Filip Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman, Patriarch of the East Indies and the Chairman of the Laity Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India.
Cardinal Filip Neri was in Mangaluru attending the golden jubilee celebration of the Mangalore Diocesan Pastoral Parishad (DPP) as chief guest on Saturday, December 10 at Father Muller Convention Centre, Kankanady. Being a newly elected cardinal he was felicitated on the occasion.
Speaking on the topic, Christian togetherness in the contemporary context, Cardinal Ferrao said, “Leadership through service, collaborative efforts, respecting equality are the key elements that strengthen the DPP. Leadership in the Church must be of unity and fraternity which will help to build the Synodal Church envisioned by Pope Francis.”
The celebration began with the thanksgiving Eucharist presided over by the Cardinal. The celebration was inaugurated by lighting the lamp at the beginning of the Mass by the dignitaries and DPP Officials.
In his homily, Bishop Filipe Neri called upon the community to be prophetic in words and deeds to foster fellowship in the community and to become leaven in the society after the model of Jesus Christ.
The programme was graced by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, Dr Peter Machado, archbishop of Bangalore, Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, bishop emeritus, diocese of Mangalore, Justice John Michael D'Cunha, the retired judge from the Karnataka high court and Philomena Lobo, the former director of the department of School Education and Literacy, government of Karnataka, former MLA J R Lobo, former MLC Ivan D’Souza, Fr Richard Coelho, director Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Mangaluru, diocesan PRO Fr J B Saldanha and Roy Castelino, DPP present secretary Dr John D’Silva and all the former secretaries. The present and former secretaries of the DPP were facilitated on the occasion.
Justice John Michael D'Cunha, the retired Judge from the Karnataka high court said that unity is the key to fight all adversities. “Witness to Christian faith in the changing notion of democracy is possible only when we all work in unity. Right to preach, profess and propagate our Faith is guaranteed by our constitution.”
Archbishop Peter Machado released a souvenir titled ‘Ektharachim Bhangralim Metam’ (The Golden Footprints of Unity) published on this occasion. The souvenir documented facts, figures and achievement of Mangalorean catholic community.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Called to be the Prophets in Today’s Society’, the archbishop Peter Machado said, “Disunity is the biggest scandal of Christianity. The grace of God which comes from above will enable us to stay united in faith and to look within for resources and reach out to those who are on the peripheries.”
Recalling the glorious achievements of the past heroes of Christian community in Mangalore, Dr Philomena Lobo said that the Mangalurean Catholic Community is a gifted community in the mainstream of the society. She said, “It has a lot of potential to grow as a strong community. Church is not just of clergy and religious. Church becomes complete when every lay faithful utilises the resources and talents for the good of the society. In this regard, this celebration must be an eye opener to prepare and produce good leaders for the society.”
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza spoke on the role of DPC in the growth of the community. He rejoiced over the remarkable development and growth the DPC has recorded over the years, describing them as obvious indications that the grace of God has been abundant and the collaboration and the support of the lay faithful have been immense.
The president of the programme, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said, “We are citizens of this country. We need to raise our voice and respond to defend our rights. He emphasised that self-confidence and working in unison are key elements to promote solidarity.” He stressed on the objective of the programme that focuses on self-development and self-employment.
Advocate M P Noronha, the convenor of the programme welcomed the gathering and said that the purpose of this celebration is not only to celebrate past success but also to plan for creating awareness and develop qualitative leadership among the pastoral parishad members and community youth so as to raise them to become Community leaders with social responsibility. In this regard ‘this celebration is only a beginning’, he noted.
Fr Rupesh Madtha, designate editor of Raknno weekly and Anitha Veigas compered the programme. John D ‘Silva, the secretary, DPC rendered the vote of thanks.
Msgr Maxim L Noronha, vicar general said the grace before the meals.
More than 2,000 lay faithful, priests and nuns gathered for the grand event.