MANGALORE, DEC 5, 2024: The Diocesan Pastoral Parishad (DPP) of the Mangalore Diocese felicitated the District Award achievers recognised on Kannada Rajyotsava Day, 1 November, during a special ceremony held at the Bishop’s House conference hall on Thursday, December 05, 2024. This felicitation was held during the fifth meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Parishad for the 2023–2025 term the diocesan officials, commission secretaries, priests, heads of religious congregations, lay leaders, and other representatives were present.
The awardees were honoured in a meaningful manner as Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, draped them with shawls. Very Rev. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese, adorned them with garlands, and Dr John D’Silva, Secretary of the Pastoral Parishad, along with Rev. Dr J. B. Saldanha, PRO of the Diocese, presented each with a potted plant symbolising growth and sustainability.
The awardees recognised included:
District Award Achievers on Kannada Rajyotsava Day
- Mercy Veena D’Souza, Bejai
- Herbert D’Souza, Cascia (Absent)
- William D’Souza, Bendur
- Munitha Veigas, Bendur
- Ronald Martis, Kulshekar
- Ronald Fernandes, Permude
- John D’Souza, Sarapady
- Olavinahalli, Paneer
- United Friends, Bejai
- Dayanilaya Special School, Belthangady
- St Agnes Special School
State Rajyotsava Awardee
- Fr Prasanth Madtha (Absent)
Karnataka Suvarna Mahotsava Awardee
- Prof Rita Noronha, Vamanjoor
In his address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha praised the achievers for their remarkable contributions and highlighted the importance of their work in inspiring others. “Your achievements are a testament to the values of perseverance, commitment, and service. By recognising your efforts, we aim to inspire others to lead lives marked by selflessness and excellence. May you continue to be shining examples of faith, drawing others towards purposeful living in the light of the Gospel.”
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mr William D’Souza from Bendur expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed by this honour and thrilled to see so many of our community members being recognized for their commendable service. I thank the diocese for this recognition, which inspires us to continue our work and motivates others to achieve and serve.”
The felicitation programme was ably compered by Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editor Raknno weekly and coordinated by Mr Roy Castelino, PRO of the Diocese. Both provided detailed introductions for each achiever during the felicitation.
Key Highlights from the Pastoral Parishad Meeting
- Anti-Drug Awareness Programme: Mr Luvi Pinto shared updates on the Anti-Drug Awareness initiatives conducted in September 2024, a month dedicated to this cause by the Diocese.
- Competitive Exams Training: Rev. Sr Mariate BS presented a comprehensive plan to train students for competitive exams, outlining the committee’s progress and roadmap.
- Jubilee 2025 Plans: Rev. Dr Joseph Martis provided a detailed overview of the preparations for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations of the Birth of Jesus Christ, including timelines and proposed activities at the parish, deanery, and diocesan levels.
- Deliverance and Healing Ministry in the Catholic Church: Rev. Fr Onil D’Souza presented a thorough report on the Deliverance and Healing ministry in the diocese.
