Moodbidri: ‘Let unity flourish through sports’ said the V. Rev. Mathew Vas, Spiritual Director of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh after he blessed the historical sports meet, at the Swarajya Maidan yesterday. More than 2000 catholic athletes from 11 deaneries across the Mangalore Diocese participated in the meet.
NRI Entrepreneur Alfred Sequeira Paladka inaugurated the sports meet. Vicar Var of Episcopal City Deanery, V. Rev. Fr. J.B. Crasta let fly pigeons as a symbol of harmony. NRI Entrepreneur Alfred Sequeira Paladka, Vicar Var of Pezar Deanery V. Rev. Fr. Marcel Saldanha, and the newly appointed Chairman of the Karnataka State Christian Development Committee Joylus Dsouza Taccode accepted a felicitation from the athletes.
The meet began with the athletes participating in colorful parade backed by the tune ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ played by the band. The Chairman of Alvas Education Foundation Dr. M. Mohan Alva, Chairman of MCC Bank Anil Lobo Fermai, retired principal of St. Philomena College V. Rev. F.X. Gomes hoisted flags of sports meet. Central president of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh Paul Rolphy D’costa presided over the event.
Vicar Var of Moodbidri Deanery V. Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira blessed the sports torch and handed it over to international bodybuilder Anil Mendonca at Corpus Christi Church. The Torch was then brought to the playground in procession. International Athlete Joylene Lobo handed over the torch to Andrew Dsouza, convener of Kreedothsav 2019 who administered the oath to athletes.
Addressing the gathering MLA of Moodbidri constituency Umanatha Kotian said ‘Instead of defeating others, we have to win by defeating ourselves. Participating is more important than winning’ he said.
D.K. Zilla Panchayath member K.P. Sucharitha Shetty, ICYM Diocesanal director Rev. Fr. Ronald Prakash D’Souza, Vicar Var of Surathkal Deanery V. Rev. Fr. Paul Pinto, henry of Manasa Special School, Catholic Sabha Central Secretary Naveen Brags, Moodbidri Deanery Catholic Sabha President Victor Kadandale, Secretary Wilson D’Souza were present.
Andrew Dsouza welcomed the gathering. Herald Tauro and the team rendered the prayer. Joslin Dsouza, Melwyn C. Dsouza, Vincent Lobo compered the event.
Report: Jaison Soares
