Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release
Photos : Stanly Bantwal 

Mangaluru, Feb 8 : The diocese of Mangalore felicitated the Catholic members of Grama Panchayats of Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod districts on Sunday 7th February 2021 at Milagres Jubilee hall. The elections of Grama Panchayat members were held in Kerala and Karnataka in 2020. A training session on the responsibilities of the members of the Grama Panchayats was conducted for 132 candidates of the both districts. The elected candidates were honoured by the Bishop of Mangalore Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.

Mr Wilfred D Souza a Journalist and agriculturist and the former Instructor and the trainer of ‘the Abdul Nazeer Sab State Institute for Rural Development & Panchayath Raj’ conducted the training programme session. He explained the history of the Panchayath Raj in India and with a special reference to Karnataka and Kerala. He cited that the system of Panchayath Raj works in Kerala better than any other states of India. He also said that Karnataka state has been taken as an ideal one in implementing the Panchayath Raj system in India. He explained to the members how the Panchayaths are administered and how it functions.

The Vicar General Msgr Maxim Noronha of the diocese, the chief guest of the function, greeted the elected members. He said that the position of the members of the Panchyaths is not a bed of roses, to retain their seat for the next 5 years and above, the members have to work hard and must reach the people as many times as possible. He appreciated their zeal and enthusiasm to serve the people at the local level of Panchayats.

The Bishop of Mangalore honored all the elected members with a Shawl, copy of the Indian Constitution , and a New Testament. He said that we are given many rights and duties in our Constitution. Every member must know his or her basic rights and work accordingly for the betterment of the people. The elected members of the Grama Panchyaths must keep in mind that they were given an opportunity to render their service to the community. He also said that they must be available to the people of their ‘Gramas’ in all circumstances. In the absence of Dr Ronald Colaco the Philanthropist and NRI , the Bishop thanked him for his generous contribution towards the community. He also recalled the good news of European International University conferring professional doctorate on Ronald Colaco and the Bishop offered his best wishes to him. He also honored the Chairman of the MCC bank for their generous contribution. The Bishop appreciated the imitative of the Lay Faithful Commission and the Catholic Sabha for conducting the training and felicitation program.

The program was well attended by the local Corporators, Town Panchayats members, and the members of Lay Faithful Commission and Catholic Sabha. The program began with the prayer song led by Anil Patrao and team. Mr Roy Castelino the PRO of the diocese introduced the trainer. Mr M P Noronha the advocate, Mr Austin Peres, Mr Anil Lobo the Chairman of Mangalore MCC bank, Mr Joylus D'Souza the Chairman of State's Christian Development Board were present on the dais.

Fr. J. B. Cratsa, secretary of the Lay Faithful Commission welcomed the guests and gathering with an introductory note. Mr Stany Lobo the president of the Catholic Sabha proposed a vote of thanks. Mr Stany Alvares compered the program. The session ended with a fellowship meal.