Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 1: The diocese of Mangalore, under the auspices of Mangala Jyothi – Diocesan Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (DBCLC), hosted the Diocesan Catechism Day Celebration on Sunday, March 1 at the Jyothi Nivas Main Hall, Pastoral Institute in Bajjodi. The event celebrated faith formation and formally honoured 73 top-scoring students of the 10th-grade diocesan catechism examination.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, presided over the programme. In his presidential address, the Bishop emphasised the critical importance of spiritual grounding for the youth. "In a world increasingly filled with distractions, it is vital that we remain completely focused on Christ," the bishop stated. He urged the students to be enlightened by the Word of God and to actively serve as beacons of hope in society.
A significant highlight of the morning was the 'Testimonies of Faith' session, which demonstrated the multi-generational impact of faith formation. The speakers included Liesel Lucia Correa, a 10th-grade student from Sacred Heart School, Kulshekar, who shared how catechism has helped her grow in her spiritual and academic life. She was joined by a diverse panel including Molly Almeida from Cascia (representing grandmothers), Anita Frank D'Sa from the Diocesan Women's Commission (representing parents), and Dr Preetham Tauro (representing professionals). They articulated how early catechism deeply shaped their lives, instilling core values such as the necessity of daily prayer and profound respect for parents and elders.
During the felicitation ceremony, the 73 top-scoring students were presented with awards for their outstanding academic performance in the diocesan catechism board examinations. Additionally, faith formation teachers who excelled in the diocesan essay competition were specially recognised for their dedication to faith formation.
Over 250 attendees, including parents and faith formation teachers from across the diocese, participated in the celebration. Fr Rohith D'Costa, director of Mangala Jyothi (DBCLC), welcomed the gathering and set the tone for the event. The occasion was also graced by Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, director of the Pastoral Institute, and Fr Alwyn Richard D'Souza, director of the Family Life Service Centre. Fr Joseph Uday Fernandes, headmaster of Milagres High School, served as the master of ceremonies and skillfully anchored the stage programme.
Following the stage programme, the half-day event culminated with a solemn Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, officiated by bishop Peter Paul Saldanha.