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Udupi: Everyone has their own talents and the reward for using it for the good of society is unlimited. Therefore, there is a need to work with the Christian community to make use of the opportunities and showcase the talents to the society, said Most Rev Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese.

He was addressing at the valedictory occasion of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh organized historical “Samudayotsava 2020” conference on January 19 held at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Kallianpur for the first time in the history of the Udupi diocese level laity convention.  

He said that the Christian community, despite its low population, has rendered its own service in the development of the country in health, education and social service. The Christian community is a community that always seeks discipline and peace and is silent when any critical issues arise and others are taking advantage of it. There is also an attempt to misrepresent the Christian community. He said the leadership of the Christian community should be reflected in their service, not just within the four walls of their community within the church, but through the services it should get reflect on the community, he said.

Ivan D’Souza, a member of the state legislative Council, who arrived as the chief guest, said: "The blackness of fear on the Christian community has recently increased. The community needs to be aware of this. There are many leaders in the community, but there is a lack of political leadership. Hence, the Christian community leaders should take note of that, he said.

The head of the committee, Walter Cyril Pinto, presented the 9 decisions that were made at the convention on the government and the diocese level during the discussion.

At the same time, those who are based in Udupi since for the past two years were honored for its achievements in foreign countries, directors in cooperatives and APMCs, gazette and higher level officials and Christian leaders serving in various organizations.

Udupi diocesan ICYM members presented a cultural program during the lunch break which has appreciated the participants.

Journalist John D’Souza, Kundapur (mass media), progressive farmer Julian Danti (paddy farming), social worker Roshan D’Souza Belman (Social Services), graft doctor Jerome Francis Andrade Kalmadi (home medicine) and John D’Silva (Cooperative banking)were honored with the achievement award.

The program was presided over by the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh President was Alwyn Quadras, AICC member Janet DeSouza, President of Karnataka Christian Development Corporation, Joylus D’Souza, Albert D’Souza, Chairman of the Model Co-operative Bank of Mumbai, Anil Lobo, President of Mangalore MCC Bank, Lancy D’Cunha, President of AICU, Rafael D’Souza, President of Catholic Sabha Mumbai, Rev Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves Spiritual Director of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Treasurer Gerald Rodrigues, Assigned President Robert Menezes,  Immediate Past President Valerian Fernandes, Rev Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Parish Priest of Mount Rosary Church, Baptist Dias Vice-President of the Parish Council of the Mount Rosary of Kallianpur Baptist Dias, former Jilla Panchayat President Gladys Almeida, Zilla Panchayat member Wilson Rodrigues, AICU state president Assisi Gonsalves, Udupi diocese Sthree Sanghaton President Pramila D’Sa and others were present on the dais.

Earlier Elroy Kiran Crasto Convener of Samudayotsava 2020 welcomed the gathering. Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh General Secretary Santhosh Cornelio delivered vote of thanks. Edward Larsen D’Souza, Suja D’Souza and Janeview D’Souza compered the valedictory programme.