Report and pics by Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Jul 25: "Our ancestors have played a great role in moulding and making us good citizens of the country.  Their sacrifices and spirit of service have been our strength.  They lived, earned and spent so that their children may have good future.  In this direction they established institutions, organizations etc which are a pride of the community today.  Mangaloreans' Catholic Association is one of them.  You will all have to re-live the spirit of the founder so that even the future generations may benefit from this institution," adviced Chandrasekhar Palettadi, editor of "Karnataka Malla" Kannada daily.

He was speaking at the centenary celebrations of the Mangaloreans Catholic Association held recently at the association premises at the Sitaram Building near Old Crawford Market here.

Mumabi Congress general secretary and trade union president Felix A D'Souza was the guest of honour on the occasion.

Earlier a solemn Eucharistic celebration was held to celebrate the jubilee at St Ignatius Church of Mandvi.  Fr Anthony Fernandes, parish priest of Nerul parish was the main celebrant.  Later Mandvi parish priest Fr Terence D'Souza Shirva blessed the association building.

Edwin Menezes Loretto, president of the managing committee welcomed the gathering while general secretary Lancy D'Souza presented the report of the association before the gathering.  Alex Pinto proposed the vote of thanks and Rajesh D'Souza Alangar compered the programme.

Fr Prakash Misquith, 'Sangeet Samrat' Henry D'Souza, auditors Ivan Menezes, Christopher Menezes and others were present on the occasion.