Mangalore Diocesan Pastoral Parishad Honours Rajyotsava Winners and Local Achievers
Mangalore, November 27: The Mangalore Diocesan Pastoral Parishad (DPP) brought its successful 2023-2025 term to a memorable conclusion today at the Bishop’s House, Kodialbail. The final, pivotal meeting was followed by a grand felicitation ceremony dedicated to honouring members of the Catholic community who have excelled in various fields and brought state and district glory.
Diocese Salutes Award Winners:
The meaningful ceremony, which followed the final DPP discussions at Bishop’s House, was a display of communal pride and recognition. The Bishop, Vicar General, and the DPP Secretary, Dr John D’Silva, along with Mr Roy Castelino and Fr J B Saldanha, the Public Relations Officers, led the felicitation, underscoring the Church’s commitment to acknowledging excellence among the lay faithful.
Mr Roy Castelino masterfully introduced each awardee, highlighting their specific achievements and articulating the Diocese’s pride in their contributions. The achievers were then honourably presented with traditional shawls, garlands, and flower pots.
The following stellar individuals were formally recognised:
Rajyotsava Award (State Level)
- Mrs. Corrine Rasquinha (White Doves): Honoured for her selfless dedication to social service, particularly caring for the destitute and mentally ill.
Rajyotsava Award (District Level)
- Sr Luciyana, Paneer, Derlakatte: Recognised for outstanding Social Service.
- Dr Prem Marian Moras: Recognised for immense contribution to Konkani language and literature.
- Ms Remona Evette Pereira: Recognised for excellence in Culture.
- Mr Joseph Mathias: Recognised for distinguished Social Service.
- Mr Peter Jerry Rodrigues: Recognised for his contribution to Media.
- Dr Vivian Mendonca: Recognised for success in Entrepreneurship.
- Ms Joylin Muriel Lobo: Recognised for remarkable achievements in Sports.
- M/S Ami ani Amchi (Denis D’Silva and Santhosh D’Costa): Recognised for cultural promotion.
Other Major Recognitions
- Mrs Shalet Pinto: Chairperson, Karnataka ECO Tourism, for her leadership.
- Mr Reuban Jason Machado: Recognised for achieving a Golden Book of World Record for Back Stroke Swimming while playing the flute.
Best Teacher District Award
- Primary School: Mrs Veena Mary Rego (Thiplanettu) and Mrs Shanthi Leena (Devasya Padoor).
- Higher Primary School: Mrs Wilma P. Lobo (Ladyhill).
Corrine Rasquinha’s Moving Call for Recognition
The highlight of the ceremony was the response delivered by State Rajyotsava Award recipient, Mrs Corrine Rasquinha. Speaking on behalf of all the awardees, she attributed her award to “a plan of God.”
She then challenged the community with a heartfelt question: “I wonder why me, only after 57 years? Weren’t there people before me who had done marvellous works for the community and country?”
Mrs Rasquinha passionately appealed to the DPP and the entire Catholic community to actively strive to identify, celebrate, and advocate for the recognition of the great works being done by its people, especially women whose efforts have often gone unnoticed. She concluded by dedicating her award not just to White Doves, but also to the entire Diocese, the community, and importantly, “all those catholic ladies who did great works and went unnoticed.”
The Bishop addressed the gathering with heartfelt appreciation, stating, “The awardees have set a model and become an inspiration to all of us. I congratulate them all, and we pray that their selfless work continues to illuminate our society.”
DPP Term Concluded with Crucial Pastoral Review
The felicitation provided a joyous conclusion to the day’s rigorous agenda. As this was the final meeting of the 2023-2025 term, the morning session focused heavily on evaluation and spiritual inputs:
- Term Evaluation: Very Rev. Fr Stany Periera, Dean of Kasaragod Deanery and Parish Priest of Bela Church, presented the comprehensive evaluation of the DPP’s term and gathered insightful suggestions for the forthcoming term from the members.
- Theological Sessions: Rev. Fr Flavian Rajkiran Lobo (Professor, St Joseph Seminary) presented on the Papal document ‘Dilexit Te’, while Rev. Dr J.B. Saldanha (PRO of the Diocese) led a session on ‘Mater Populi Fidelis’, focusing on the Marian teachings of the Church.
- Commission Updates: The members received updates on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) from Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, CAP (Commission for Justice and Peace), and on the plans for the Jubilee of the Differently Abled on December 21, 2025, from Sr Shruthi A. C. (Secretary of the Commission for the Differently Abled).
The day’s proceedings successfully wrapped up the threesss-year term, setting a high standard for spiritual leadership and community outreach as the Diocese looks forward to its future endeavours.
