Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Oct 31: "The laity of Mangaluru calls the diocese ‘Rome of East’. With churches, belfry, Gregorian rituals and presence of Christians, it may look like Rome. However, we will truly become the real Rome, when we help the less fortunate,” said Mangaluru Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.

He was speaking in the felicitation programme organised by the Catholic Association of South Canara (CASK) at Avila Hall, St Agnes College, on Tuesday, October 30. 

In his dialogue and discussion on the subject ‘The pastoral plan for Mangaluru Diocese expectations from the laity,’ he said that Mangalureans have a generous attitude to share and care. “The Bible asks us to be merciful towards needy. Our current Pope is teaching us the same. As per him, the teachings of Bible are not just to read but also to follow and help the less fortunate,” he said.

“It is over a month since my ordination as bishop took place. Now hundreds of people are visiting Bishop’s House asking help. All are genuine requests and I have never sent them back empty handed. Our doors are always open. We are helping them not from our pocket. It is the money of laity. It should reach them only,” he added.

“It is my request that every parish should adopt at least two poor students and help them complete their studies. Parishes should take care of less fortunate families. We can do this all by reducing expenses from our luxurious life. We should think about the food we are wasting in a day. We should not throw a single grain of rice from our plate. We should teach the same to our children," he said.

After the felicitation a dialogue and discussion session was held on the subject of “The pastoral plan for Mangaluru Diocese expectations from the laity."

Nayana Fernandes, president CASK welcomed the bishop and gathering. Mario Saldanha presented citation to the bishop. Before the event, the bishop celebrated Holy Mass with the CASK members at St Agnes Chapel.