Media Release
Udupi, May 14: In earlier times, many people who newly arrived in Mumbai from Mangalore faced great difficulties in finding a proper place to stay. Many of them spent their nights sleeping on the footpaths along the streets of Mumbai. As the number of migrants from Mangaluru continued to increase and their hardships grew, a noble initiative was taken to help them. Under the leadership of the late Sebastian Lobo and Marcel Martis, St. Joseph’s Kood (lodging house) of the Belman community was established in Mazgaon.
The 110th Jubilee celebration of this institution was held on Monday, January 12, 2026, beginning with the Holy Eucharistic celebration at St Joseph’s Church, Belman. Later, a grand jubilee function and stage program were conducted in the Belman Church Hall.
The parish priest of Belman Church, Fr Frederick Mascarenhas, was the main celebrant of the Mass along with assistant priest Fr Oswald Vaz. In his homily, Fr. Oswald Vaz praised the farsightedness of the founders who built the home and explained how this institution greatly benefited parishioners and many others.
After remembering the founders and departed members through silent prayer, the children of Belman School beautifully welcomed the gathering with a dance performance, which marked the beginning of the stage program. Present on the dais were Fr Frederick Mascarenhas, Fr Oswald Vaz, Belman parishioner Walter Nandalike, Robert D’Souza Palimar who served as president of the home for 35 years, and senior member Frederick Pinto. The dignitaries were honoured with floral bouquets.
Compere of the program Eddie Siker introduced the guests and the dignitaries jointly inaugurated the celebration in the traditional manner by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
President and senior member Robert D’Souza, in his welcome speech, remembered the founders and explained how their vision helped shape the successful history of many young men. He also shared the history and current status of the home. He expressed gratitude to Fr Frederick Mascarenhas for his complete support and guidance in organizing the event successfully in Belman. He further stated that since the number of youths staying in the home has reduced, the institution now provides accommodation opportunities to needy youths from other parishes as well. He assured that the senior members continue to provide support and guidance to the residents.
Chief guest Walter Nandalike, in his speech, said that the home showed a bright future to many young men from our community. Many former residents have reached great heights, worked in Gulf countries, achieved success in various fields, and brought honour to Belman. He said they are inspirations and guides for today’s youth. Life in the home stood as a witness to unity and brotherhood. If any resident faced difficulties, others would care for him. The shared responsibilities and joyful moments created the feeling of one united family.
Addressing the gathering as president, Fr Frederick Mascarenhas said that those who stayed in the home not only achieved success in life but also upheld family values, faith, and social responsibility towards the parish and their native village. Through their generosity, many developmental works are possible in the parish. Even though they lived away from home, they preserved family and spiritual values.
Later, the parish priest symbolically released a commemorative souvenir prepared for the jubilee. On this occasion, senior member Frederick Pinto requested everyone’s support for the souvenir issue. He mentioned that the remaining funds collected through advertisements would be utilized for the welfare of the home. From the advertisement contributions, an amount of three lakh rupees was handed over to president Robert D’Souza for the institution’s activities.
All sponsors were honoured and thanked. Respect was also shown to the families of the founders, the late Sebastian Lobo and Marcel Martis, who established the home and brightened the lives of thousands of youths. Appreciation was also given to Robert D’Souza and his wife for his selfless 35 years of service as president and for successfully managing all responsibilities of the institution. The chief guests, Fr Frederick Mascarenhas, Fr Oswald Vaz, and Walter Nandalike were also felicitated.
School Children added beauty to the function through their graceful dances, while the members entertained the audience with melodious songs. The event was efficiently compered by Eddie Siker.
Around 250 members and family supporters attended the celebration, which concluded with a delicious meal and many sweet memories