On March 31, 2024, at St. Lawrence Church in Bondel, the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) Bondel Unit had its Silver Jubilee Closing Ceremony.

Thanksgiving Mass was offered at 9.00 a.m.  in the morning by Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza and Rev Fr Vincent Saldanha .The liturgy & choir was led by  the Members of Catholic Sabha.

 At 6:00 p.m. on March 31, the Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Sabha, Bondel unit, Mangaluru, concluded with a ceremony at the St. Lawrence English Medium School grounds.. The programme began with a prayer hymn, which was followed by an ICYM & YCS Youth welcoming  dance 

The  Vice President Mr Herold Pinto  Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit , welcomed everyone graciously, The programme  was inaugurated by Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a revered tradition symbolizing enlightenment, alongside distinguished guests on the dais.

Secretary Veronica Pais , gave the brief report of the Bondel  unit for past 25 years and she also gave the report of the activities during the silver jubilee year.

Mr Herold Pinto Vice President Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit,   V. Rev Fr James D’Souza  , Vicar  Forane City Varado, Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Bondel  , Guest of Honour Mr Alwyn D’Souza- President Catholic Sabha Central Committee, Mr Wilfred Alvares President , Mrs Wilma Monteiro Secretory  City Varado, Mr Stephen D’Silva President Elect, Mr Sujay D’Silva Convener Jubilee Committee,  Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza, Mr John D’Silva President Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Santosh Misquith Secretory Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs Veronica Pais –Secretory Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit welcomed the guests with floral bouquets.

In his inaugural speech Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza the Spiritual Director Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit  said, “Catholic Sabha is the face of our community in our society. The members of Catholic Sabha are the volunteers of Catholic community who always spread goodness to the society which comes from Catholic principle, values and morals. At the same time in the community, they are like soldiers who are always ready to help the members of Catholic community.

.The past 14 presidents and 13 secretaries   were felicitated by the Guest on dais,. The achievements of the past presidents was read by Mrs Juliet Dante & Mrs Prema .

In his address, Mr. Alwyn D’Souza, President of the Central Committee, stated: “As Catholic Sabha members, we are called upon to be positive change representatives, fighting for the rights and dignity of all of God’s children, regardless of their race, creed, or socioeconomic status.” In a world full of unfairness and inequality, let us make an effort to be voices of conscience and ceaselessly work towards creating a society that is more compassionate and just for coming generations.

Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves , the guest of honour Congratulated the Catholic Sabha Members  for continued success and fulfillment in all their  endeavors. May your work with the Catholic Sabha continue to bear fruit, and may you always find joy and fulfillment in serving others.

Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit honoured Mr. Felix Monteiro for his outstanding service and Mr. Stany Alvares, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy for his future endeavors.

Mr Stan Alvares said: Together, let us celebrate the beauty and richness of Konkani language and literature, and let us work towards a future where Konkani shines brightly on the literary stage.

V. Rev. Fr James Dsouza Vicar Forane in his speech said: I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on reaching this significant milestone. Over the past quarter-century, the members of the Catholic Sabha have embodied these words in their tireless efforts to serve the Church and the wider community and he wished them good.

Mr Wilfred Alvares President City Varado  in his address congratulated Catholic Sabha for the good work. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the noble mission that unites us: to serve our community with love, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Mr Herold Pinto and Sujay  D’Silva  presented the mementos to the guests. Mr Colin Miranda  proposed vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Mrs Olivia D’Sa .

After the stage programme there was a comedy drama by Nellu  Permannur & team .People gathered in big number,  laughing and enjoying themselves throughout the entirety of the show.

Photography: Roy

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza