Belthangady: Thousands participate in Catholic Maha Samavesha 2020 at Madanthyar

Picss by Wilson Gonslves, Madanthyar
Bellevision Media Network

elthangaday/ Madanthyar, 02 Feb: In a show of solidarity more than 30,000 Catholic Christians belonging to three dioceses of Mangalore, Belthangady and Puttur congregated at the Sacred Heart Church Grounds at Madanthyar in appropriately termed ‘Catholic Maha Samavesha-2020’ on Sunday, 2 February 2020. The programme of the event commenced with a ’unity rally’ from Madanthyar town to church ground. Bishops of Mangalore Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha flagged off the ‘Unity Rally’ joined by Bishops of Puttur and Beltangady,and hundreds of priests, religious sisters and thousands of delegates from the community. Prior to the inauguration of the Samavesha, Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, hoisted the flag of Bishops and dignitaries inaugurated the Samavesha by planting saplings of sandalwood and lighting the lamp.

 

The dignitaries present at the occasion included Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Belthangady Syro Malabar Diocese, Dr Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Bishop of Puttur Syro Malankara Diocese, Fr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General, Mangalore Diocese, Ronald Coloco, NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, Fr Mathew Vas, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha, Fr Ronald D’Souza, Fr Basil Vas, parish priest, Madanthyar, Fr Stany Pinto, assistant parish priest, Madanthyar church and others.President of the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh Rolphie D’Costa,presided over the inaugural function.

 

Following the formal inauguration of the event Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said that the Catholics of Mangalore have a history of 450. The Catholic community has been living with peace and harmony and has been promoting humanity through various welfare activities such as education. Health and social service.

 

 

In his speech Dr Geevarghese Mar Divannasios said, "We have gathered here to show our unity and put our demands in front of government and authorities. We are eligible for all kinds of facilities given to us by our Constitution. We are known for social service and harmony. With this Samavesha, we are announcing that we are not the people who will fall easily. Our emotions are always with our country and our faith is always with one God who brings us all together and teaches us to love. We are united with India which has a Constitution that emphasizes unity in diversity."

 

Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Beltangady in his keynote address said that the Catholic Samavesha-2020, was organized with an aim to unite, to reflect and to strengthen the Catholic community on the basis of the teachings of Jesus Christ. He further said that humanity is the central point of the teachings of Jesus. He pointed out that those who have had education in Christian institutions have been occupying important positions in the government. There are ministers in all governments, sportspersons in all sports fields, educationalists, scientists and intellectuals who studied in Christian management institutions.

 

On this occasion Ronald Colaco NRI Entrepreneur was honoured with  the title of  ‘Vishwa Bhushan’.

 

In response to the honour bestowed upon him Ronald Colaco said that he was happy to accept the title that was conferred on him by the people of the three dioceses. He thanked the Catholic Sabha and all the organisers for the recognition and felicitation. 

 

In his presidential address, Rolphie D Costa said that without any pressure more than thirty thousand Catholics had gathered in the Samavesha 2020. This showed solidarity, unity and strength of the community. After his speech, Rolphie read the resolutions and was backed by the delegates with a huge applause. He handed over the resolution to Ronald Colaco for submission to authorities concerned.

 

Joel Mendonca, convenor, Catholic Maha Samavesha-2020 delivered the introductory speech and briefed the motto and five objectives of the Samavesha. He also welcomed the dignitaries and gathering.

 

Harish Poonja, MLA, Beltangady and other major donors of the Samavesha were felicitated by the dignitaries. After the stage programme, Mass was held. Along with delegates, hundreds of priests who arrived from various parishes participated in the Mass.

 

Leon Saldanha read the oath for ’youth against drug and alcohol consumption’. Bishops felicitated the newly-elected vice-president and secretaries of various parish councils.

 

Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, member KPSC gave a talk on ’Government jobs and youth towards the higher education’. Dr Harsha P S, police commissioner, Mangaluru spoke on the subject ’Crime and youths’ while Lydia Lobo spoke on ’Drugs, constructive usage of social media and its control’.

 

Students of Sacred Heart English Medium School performed a welcome dance. Madanthyar church choir led by Prof Leo Noronha sang the prayer song. Walter Monis, secretary, Catholic Sabha rendered the vote of thanks.

 

Vivek V Pais and Francis V V compeered the programme.