Mangalore, June 29 – The Diocese of Mangalore joyfully celebrated Laity Sunday under the spiritual leadership of Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. This annual celebration, rooted in the Catholic Church’s recognition of the triple mission of the lay faithful—to sanctify, to teach, and to serve—honored lay Catholics who actively contribute to civic, social, and ecclesial life.
The event brought together vice presidents and secretaries of parishes, elected representatives from district, taluk, and gram panchayats, as well as presidents and office-bearers of cooperative banks and institutions. Their presence affirmed the vibrant and constructive role of the Catholic laity in building a just, compassionate, and participatory society.
In his presidential address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha extended heartfelt congratulations to Senior Advocate M. P. Noronha on his appointment as the Principal District Government Advocate for Dakshina Kannada by the Government of Karnataka. Describing Mr. Noronha as a devout Catholic and a respected public servant, the Bishop praised his legal brilliance, moral integrity, and dedicated service to both the Church and society. He also highlighted Mr. Noronha’s success in landmark cases, including the Hotel Moti Mahal case, as a shining example of how Catholic values can be lived out in the legal profession. He lauded him as “a model of Christian discipleship in public life.”
The Bishop further felicitated Catholic leaders serving in the Panchayat Raj system and in cooperative institutions, commending their significant contributions to local governance and economic empowerment, especially among the marginalized. He stated, “When the laity live out their vocation through honest leadership and selfless service, they become true witnesses of Christ, contributing meaningfully to the common good.”
A special session, led by Wilfred D’Souza, provided insights on the roles, rights, and responsibilities of the laity in the Panchayat Raj system, encouraging greater civic engagement inspired by Catholic Social Teaching. The session was effectively moderated by Roy Castelino.
Fr J. B. Crasta, Secretary of the Laity Commission and Director of St Antony’s Charitable Institutions, warmly welcomed the gathering. The program was graced by several distinguished Catholic dignitaries, including Fr Praveen Martis, Administrator of St Antony’s Institutions; Anil Lobo, Chairman of MCC Bank; Santosh D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee; and Rolfie D’Costa, Secretary of the Surathkal Varado Pastoral Parishad, who read the citation honoring M. P. Noronha. Dennis D’Silva and other prominent leaders were also present.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Ms Ida, and the proceedings were skillfully compered by Ms Pramila Peris. The Varado Pastoral Parishad secretaries of the Diocese of Mangalore were actively involved in planning and organizing the programme.
This Laity Sunday served as a powerful reminder of the vision of Vatican II, which calls the lay faithful, by virtue of their baptism, to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world” (Mt 5:13–14), bringing Christ’s presence and Gospel values into every sphere of life—from families and parishes to public offices, courts, and village councils
