Mangalore: “Laity should be proactive in politics and civil service”-Antony Mendonca

By Ignatius Monis, Moodubelle
Pics by John V. Tauro, Mangalore
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 14 May 2012: “Laity should be proactive in politics and civil service and the church should make necessary provision to promote Christian youth to enter civil service at national level such as IAS and IPS as well as state level such as KAS”, said Mr. Antony Mendonca-KAS (Retired) while delivering the keynote address at the 33rd Annual Mahasammelan of the Catholic Sabha members, Magalore Pradesh held on Sunday, May 13, 2012 from 10.30 am at the Milagres College Grounds, Mangalore.

 

Prior to the Mahasammelan, the Catholic Sabha members participated in the thanksgiving mass offered by Rev. Fr. J.B. Crasta, Spritual Director of the Catholic Sabha at  9 am in the Milagres College Ground.

 

The Mahasammelan comprising of around 1,500 Catholic Sabha members and office bearers from five Provinces-Mangalore, Bantwal, Moodubidri, Kinnigoli and Udupi began at 10.30 am by singing hymn of Holy Spirit followed by reading from the Gospel and explanation of its meaning by Rev. Fr. J.B. Crasta.

 

 

 

 

At the outset of the Mahasammelan, Walter Cyril Pinto, President of the Catholic Sabha welcomed the guests and the members and office bearers of the Catholic Sabha and offered flower bouquets to the dignitaries prepared by the students of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Center at Pamboor.

 

Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore inaugurated the Mahasammelan by hoisting the Catholic Sabha flag and presenting flags to the Presidents representing five Provinces.

 

The Annual Report  of the Catholic Sabha  was presented by the Secretary-William Machado.

 

Bishop, Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza, who presided over the Mahasammelan was introduced by  the Ex-President of the Catholic Sabha-L.J. Fernandes.

 

Speaking at this occasion, the Bishop narrated the circumstances that led to the establishment of the Catholic Sabha. He reminded the gathering that it was during the Second Vatican Council that a proposal was put forward to promote the active  participation of  the laity in political field and other secular pursuits.

 

Another Ex-President, Walter D’Souza introduced Mr. Antony Mendonca-KAS (Retired) and Member of the Christian Progressive Committee of Karnataka who delivered the keynote address. 

 

Mr. Antony Mendonca said that there is an increasing need for the Christian laity to participate actively in political affairs and administrative structure.  He exhorted more and more young men to take up government jobs and make a difference in their lives and the community. He highlighted the importance of education and said that in spite of all difficulties one should not give up education before they achieve their goals.  Pointing out the problem of inter-community marriages, Mr. Mendonca pointed out that as most of the girls are more educated than many of the boys in the   Christian community, the girls find it difficult to get appropriate matches among their own community and hence are tempted to marry someone outside their own community.

Emphasizing the need to promote young men to take up civil service,  Mr. Mendonca urged the Bishop and the priests to enlighten the younger generation the importance of such service and encourage them to appear for competitive examinations for these services. He volunteered to give any information that is required in order to motivate the youngsters.

 

Speaking further, Mr. Mendonca said that the Catholic Board of Education (CBE) runs a number of educational institutions and it has to deal with the government agencies for various reasons where it finds itself entangled in red-tapism and delays. He offered his help to Christian institutions to streamline their efforts to have smooth relation with the government agencies. He also made an appeal to the Bishop to initiate steps to start  coaching centers for young Christian candidates who have a desire to join either national or state level civil service.

 

Justice  B.V. Pinto, presently practicing Judge in the Karnataka High Court presented prizes to the successful competitors in the elocution competition  at the Provincial and Varado level. Following his introduction by Dr. Gerald Pinto, Justice B.V. Pinto said that he was fortunate to be inspired by some of the early cases that he had to handle in which he could help the innocent victims. That greatly helped him in his profession as a lawyer and later as a Judge.

 

Justice B.V. Pinto assured the gathering that after his retirement he would dedicate himself in helping the youngsters to join the civil service.

 

As Mr. Ronald Colaco could not attend the Mahasammelan, his representative Denis D’Silva read out the speech of the former. In his speech, Mr. Colaco said that he would provide any kind of help in promoting lay leadership in political sphere. He also assured financial and other assistance to young Christian entrepreneurs and for the promotion of education.  Mr. Colaco stressed the need to bring about the unity among various denominations of Christianity.

 

Mrs. Veronica Cornelio, Social Worker from Udupi, speaking at this occasion highlighted the fact that there are more Christian women members compared to men in Grama Panchayats, as well as Taluk, and Zilla Panchayat and Town Councils. She said that this has been possible due to the reservation policy and support rendered by the men. Mrs. Cornelio also emphasized on the need of promoting education among boys and girls. She lamented the fact that many families indulge in wasteful expenses. Issues related to Health Card were also raised by her. 

 

Entertainment to the gathering was provided by the Milagres Choir through their music. There was also group dance and Mando presented by Ligory D’Souza of Suratkal and his group.

 

The entire programme was compeered by Ligory D’Souza  and Shalini Pereira and vote of thanks was given by William Machado.