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Udupi : Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh® celebrated Catholic Sabha Day and held a training programme at Anugraha, Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje here on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

After the starting prayers, Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi diocese and Spiritual Director of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh inaugurated the programme with lighting the lamp along with the guests and officials of Catholic Sabha Central committee.

In his inaugural address Mngr. Ferdinand Gonsalves said that Catholic Sabha, one of the strongest laity organizations of the diocese which was established 46 years ago in April 29, 1979 in Udupi with the political leaders of undivided Mangalore diocese with the intention of some objectives to strengthen our Christian community in the society. Moreover, to provide a support system to build a strong Christian community and be united to fight against any hardships faced by the Christian community outside of the church with the commitment to the welfare of the both church and the community. Then the values of Christ will remain forever. What our elders started the Catholic Sabha with the Christian values should be maintained.

After the inaugural address, the guests on the dais and all participated officials during the programme were paid their respect to Holy Father Pope Francis portrait by floral tributes.

One of the chief guests of the occasion Vinod Crasto, President of Kundapur Urban Development Authority outlined the role of Catholic Sabha members in the society. After the existence of the Catholic Sabha the voters have been increased, the participation in the political and other organizations fields have increased. Even though his earlier family members in the political field got a chance to become president of Kundapur Urban Development Authority, there are only 20 thousand Christians out of 4 lach of voters. This happens due to Catholic Sabha top leaders’ support and background to upgrade his political career. Hence, the role of the Catholic Sabha in our Christian community on various grounds should be exceptionally appreciated, he said.

Gerald Fernandes, another chief guest who was president of Udupi Zilla Panchayat outlined the Catholic Sabha role in his political career.

Ronald Almeida, President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh presided over the programme. He gave gratitude to officials to Catholic Sabha present and former central officials as well as all the office bearers of deanery and units.

Immediate past president Santhosh Cornelio, designated president Louis D’Souza, Garfield Urban Lewis Treasurer, Convener of the programme Joachim Michael Pinto former president of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh and Co-convener Walter Cyril Pinto former president of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, Wilfred Lobo Chief Editor of Amcho Sandesh and other officials were present on the dais.

Followed by training programme was held with former President Joachim Michael Pinto for Presidents, Mary D’Souza former President for Secretaries, Elroy Kiran Crasto former central committee president for political conveners,  Garfield Urban Lewis Treasurer for Treasurers’ and Dr Gerald Pinto former president of Catholic Sabha Central committee on laity commission of the diocese. Ronald Almeida read out names of the various co-opt conveners and placed the proposed various programmes of the Catholic Sabha during the year.

Walter Cyril Pinto welcomed the gathering. Hon. Secretary Joel D’Almeida compared the programme and Joint Secretary Sonu Sequeira proposed a vote of thanks. Former central presidents, former central committee officials, Five Deanery and all the units’ officials participated during the programme.