Mangaluru: Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, was accorded a civic felicitation by a committee of likeminded people from all walks of life as he celebrated his diamond jubilee and completed 75 years.
Bishop of Mangaluru, Aloysius Paul D’Souza with other dignitaries at his civic felicitation
The unique felicitation was held at the Town Hall here on June 21 at the presence of renowned guests. MCC Mayor Harinath presided over the function.
Ramakrishna Mutt seer Sri Jaikamananda, Bengaluru Archbishop Rev Dr Bernard Moras, Former chancellor, NITTE University Dr Shantharam Shetty, Mangaluru varsity chancellor K Bhairappa, Yenepoya chairman Monu, District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Yogishwar Bhat, Ganesh Karnik, MLA Abhay Chandra Jain, MLA Shakuntala Shetty, DC A B Ibrahim, MLA Moideen Bava, Ganesh Karthik, Janaki Brahmavara and Niveditha Alva were present.
Alva’s institutions Dr M Mohan Alva, convener of the committee, briefed about the award and hailed the Christian community and its service in social, educational, medical and religious field.
Former chancellor, NITTE University, Dr Shantharam Shetty, gave a congratulatory speech. Describing the civic felicitation to bishop as a unique one, he said, “Bishop is an embodiment of simplicity, brotherhood and leadership. The service of the bishop played a key role in making Mangaluru an educational hub in the last 50 years. He is called as people’s bishop for his generosity and simplicity. The felicitation has a message to all to follow his footsteps serving society.
Seer Jithakamananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, said, “Those of you have blessings from God, shine in the society. Our bishop is celebrating his 75 years and 50 years out of it, he has lived for others as a priest and sacrificed his life. To live a pastoral life, God’s grace is very much necessary. Specially to serve as the bishop in the region, then he must be a chosen one. Our bishop has taught us to live simple life”.
“Children from our mutt study in Cascia School which started during the Bishop’s tenure as the parish priest two decades ago. The children are provided education with concession even now, “he added.
Kathibul of Jumma Masjid, Mangaluru, Sadaqatul Faizi who represented Qazi, said, “The Bishop has made justice to his name – Aloyious means famous in war, he has proved by rendering his service to the society and the other name Paul means humble, he has led a humble, simple life. He has also made us proud by being the first Indian bishop to be appointed as an advocate.
He said that the civic felicitation has not become a mere award presenting ceremony, instead it has become an inter-religious dialogue programme, bringing people from different faiths under one roof and spreading the word of brotherhood.
The bishop after receiving the honour from the dignitaries said, “I am honoured and grateful to receive the felicitation in a function attended by people of all religions. I consider this felicitation as an honour to everyone from my community and I dedicate this to all”.
“In my life, I have never gone behind power and position. Whatever responsibility came my way, I have tried to give justice to it and spread love in society. In my life, I have received great support from people’s representatives and public whenever there was attack on our faith. I am grateful to them. Life sees three stages, life in my view, others view and God’s view,” he said.
He called upon everyone to have patience and kindness towards the others. He said, “In my service, I have tried to help the needy, the poor by enabling them free treatment at Fr Muller’s hospital and provided all necessary help to the needy”.
Let communal harmony grow and continue in Mangaluru, he added.
The Mayor, who presided over the programme, also lauded the bishop’s service to the region. Through medical facilities for poor in Fr Muller’s hospital, taking care of hundreds of aged and downtrodden in St Antony, hundreds of schools and colleges, the community led by bishop has rendered a remarkable service to the society, he said.
Rev Dr Bernard Moras also addressed the gathering.
Earlier, Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo, convenor of the committee, gave an introductory speech on the occasion and lauded the bishop’s service.
M P Noronha rendered the vote of thanks and Concepta Fernandes compered the programme.
People from all walks of life took part in the programme.
