The Indian Catholic Forum expresses its disgust, dismay and outrage at the sexually perverted and historically distorted opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics
2024. It had more to do with uninhibited sex than the Olympics mottoofFaster,Higher,Stronger.
The almost nude depictions, emphasis on different forms of sexual orientation, watched by millions, including impressionable young children, was in exceedingly poortaste,andreflectiveofthetotal collapse of sexual ethics in French society.
What exceeded all bounds of decency and artistic expression was the distorted, sexually explicit depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” that the Lord Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, death and resurrection. By doing so France has literally guillotinedtheLordJesushimself.
France seems to have regressed three centuries to the hatred and antagonism of the French Revolution. It should learn from Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Rev Martin Luther King Jr that naked aggression and violence are not the solution to any problem or
perceived grievance/ discrimination. While condemning these disgusting and distorted depictions we appeal to the French government and the International Olympic Committee to issue an unconditional apology for hurting the religious values of billions of Christians and even those of other faithswhoholdtheLordJesusinthe highestesteem.
-chhotebhai
CONVENOR
INDIANCATHOLICFORUM
Note: Since the email IDs of the FrenchEmbassyinIndiaandthatof the International Olympic Committeewerenotfoundonthe netthisPressReleaseisbeingsent byRegisteredPostto:
1.The Ambassador to India, Embassy of France, 2/50-E Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, NewDelhi–110021
A Track Record of Excellence SweezalFurtadoisnostrangerto
thespotlight.Atjust19yearsold, she has already made significant waves in the world of beauty pageants and modeling. Her journey began with winning the "Fresh Face of Ignite India 2021" title, followed by securing the
second runner-up position in the MISS SUPERMODEL INDIA 2022 competition.
In June 2023, Furtado represented India on the international stage, winning the title of Miss Teen Universal 2023, International Princess at the Miss Teen International Pageant in Peru. She alsoclaimed the titlesof Miss Teen Universal Asia and Best National Costume, showcasing her versatility andappealonaglobalplatform.
More Than JustBeauty
Furtado's talents extend far beyond her striking appearance. Known as "SouthIndia'sSupermodel,"shehas demonstrated exceptional skills in various artistic fields. A gifted dancer, her performance to "Nach Meri Rani" even caught the attention of singer Guru Randhawa. Herprowessinpoetryrecitationhas alsoearnedheraccolades,including advancementtothenationallevelin the Kavita Trust Poetry Recitation competitionin2019.
Currently a 3rd year BBA Student in
Entrepreneurship at St Joseph’s College of Commerce, in Bengaluru, Furtado balances her academic pursuits with her passion for modeling and fashion. This multifaceted approach to personal development has undoubtedly contributed to her success in the pageantworld.
The Road to Miss Global
As the newly crowned Miss Global India 2024, Sweezal Furtado will represent India at the international Miss Global competition next year. This platform will provide her with
Furtado's win is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the support of her family, particularly her mother, Savitha Furtado from Bennekudru in Barkur. Her journey from local cultural programs to international pageants serves as an inspiration to aspiring models and youngwomenacrossIndia.
A Bright Future Ahead
AsSweezalFurtadopreparesforthe MissGlobalcompetition,shestands asashiningexampleofwhatcanbe achieved through talent, perseverance, and grace. Her successnotonlybringspridetoher hometown of Bangalore butalso to theentirenation. The fashion and pageant industry will undoubtedly be watching
an opportunity to showcase not only her beauty but also her intelligence,confidence,andunique perspectiveonaworldstage.
closely as this rising star continues her ascent. With her track record of success and her multifaceted talents,SweezalFurtadoispoisedto make a significant impact on the globalstage,carryingthehopesand good wishes of millions of Indians withher.
Assheembarksonthisnewchapter of her journey, all eyes will be on Sweezal Furtado, eagerly anticipating the heights she will reach and the inspiration she will provide to the next generation of aspiring models and pageant contestants.
-Kishoo Barkur, Barkuronline.com
The late Archbishop Most Rev.
Alphonsus Mathias
Born at Pangla (now in Udupi Diocese)on22-June-1928
Ordained Priest for Mangalore Dioceseon24-August-1954
Nominated First Bishop of Chikmagaluron16-November-1963
Ordained Bishop of Chikmagalur Dioceseon5-February-1964
Elevated as Archbishop of Bangaloreon12-September-1986
Installed as Archbishop of Bangaloreon3-December-1986
Resigned for ABp post on Health Groundson24-March-1998
Passed away at St John’s Hospital, Bangaloreon10-July-2024
Interred at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Bangalore on 15-July2024
Funeral Service of the late Archbishop Alphonsus Mathias held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral,Bangalore on15th July2024-Pictorial
(Photo courtesy: Bangalore Archdiocesan Communication Centre)
Mangaluru: Inaasam’s Pereira Hotel turns
100 – Satiating taste buds since a century is no more!
MediaRelease
Standing proud in the center of the city, Pereira’s Hotel, popularly known as ‘Inaasam’s’ after its founder the late Ignatius Pereira, completesacenturyofchurningout authentic Mangalurean cuisine and satisfyinggenerationsofcustomers.
Established in 1921, it primarily
catered to the homely ‘sheethkady’ (fishcurryand
rice) and other traditional Mangalurean Catholic food cooked onfirewoodwhichgaveita distinct homemadeflavour.Ithasstoodthe test of time by maintaining its oldworld charm yet moving forward to catertonewdemandsinthemarket.
It is this quality which has made Pereira’s a household name in the entiredistrictandfarbeyondforthe last 100 years. Older generations of Mangalureans from all over the world still speak fondly of their yesteryear meals at Pereira’s, deliciousandaffordable.
BorninPezaronAugust29,1893,to Rosario Pereira and Maria Pereira, Ignatius Pereira started his hotel in 1921,becomingoneofthepioneers in the hotel industry. He started his venture on the first floor of a building opposite the Milagres Church. The hotel was blessed by the then Milagres parish priest. Inaasam (as Ignatius was fondly called), then shifted his business to theArouzaBuildinginHampankatta after which he bought the present premises which was initially a small cottage-like structure. The present two-storey construction named ‘Ignatius Pereira Building’ was put up in 1966 with the restaurant on
the ground floor and lodging facilitiesabove.
Ignatius Pereira was a man with a simple background who had the needsofthecommonmanatheart.
A philanthropist by nature, he was always ready to sacrifice for the poor and needy. Free food and meagrelodgingchargesforthosein needmadehimevenmorepopular. He provided safe economical stay fortravelersfrominandaroundthe district.Conductingthelastritesfor unclaimed dead bodies was Inaasam’smajorsocialservice. Inaasam was the second child of RosarioandMariaPereira.Hehada brother and sister. He married Laetitia Sequeira in 1918, and they had nine children, Gertrude, William, Charles, Marie, Cecelia, Denis,Alfred, EdwardandAngelina. Intheinitialyears,hiswifeandsons helpedhim inthebusiness. Though popularlyknownasInaasam’shotel, itwasnamed ‘WilliamPereiraHotel’ after his eldest son. William Pereira improved and successfully ran the business for a decade after the death of his father on 7 December 1975. The business is now run by Inaasam’sgrandsonOliverPereira.
Pereira’s Restaurant, as it is now called, has stood tall and survived thevagariesofthebusinessclimate. This is one of the few ventures started by the old Mangalurean Catholic community which has still kept the ideals and motto of their founder through the generations.It continuestosatisfytheyearningsof those longing for authentic Mangalurean food and at the same time caters to the tastebuds of the new generation. Their beef sukha, beef chilly, pork bafat, pork chilly, beef steak and fish curry get the same 5-star reviews as their cheese naan, chicken alfresco, lemon pork, prawns butter pepper garlic and stuffed rotis, a testimony to Pereira’smovingwiththetimes.Itis not just continuing the legacy and dream of its founder, but with its multi-cuisine menu, is now catering toawidercustomerbase.
The management and staff are grateful to the visionary Ignatius Pereira for the rich heritage passed on to them and to everyone who has been part of their 100-year journey.
===============
Will the iconic 100-year-old Hotel Pereira, also known as Inasam’s
Hotel, be closed temporarily or permanently? Hotel Pereira has been a household name for food lovers, renowned for its typical MangaloreanCatholiccuisine.
Hotel Pereira was started way back in 1921 by Ignatius Pereira, and since then, it has reached a benchmark in the hotel industry. When it comes to cuisine and quality, Hotel Pereira always stands out, attracting many customers fromvariousplaces.
Established in 1921, it primarily catered to the homely ‘sheethkady’ (fish curry and rice) and other traditional Mangalorean Catholic foodcookedonfirewood,givingita distinct homemade flavor. It has stood the test of time by maintaining its old-world charm while catering to new market demands. This quality has made Pereira’s a household name in the entiredistrictandfarbeyondforthe last 100 years. Older generations of Mangalureans from all over the world still speak fondly of their yesteryear meals at Pereira’s, which weredeliciousandaffordable.
Every individual in Mangaluru or from outside Mangaluru has a memorable story to share about
Hotel Pereira, as the name itself is anemotiontofoodlovers.
Pereira’s Restaurant, as it is now called, has stood tall and survived thevagariesofthebusinessclimate. This is one of the few ventures started by the old Mangalurean Catholic community that has kept
the ideals and motto of its founder through the generations. It continues to satisfy those longing for authentic Mangalorean food while catering to the taste buds of the new generation. Their cuisine is a testimony to Pereira’s adaptation withthetimes.Itnotonlycontinues thelegacyanddreamofitsfounder but, with its multi-cuisine menu, now caters to a wider customer base.
Many NRIs returning from abroad often head back to the hotel for its tasty meals and to grab a bit of nostalgia. Even as new hotels and restaurants spread across the city, this eatery has, and will continue to have, its share of regular, loyal patrons.
When Daijiworld contacted the owner, it remained unclear whether thehotelwillbeclosedpermanently or temporarily. There is also the possibility of reopening Hotel Pereiraunderacompletelydifferent management.
The legacy of Hotel Pereira, which has been functioning for three generations,mightcometoanend.
-DaijiWorld.com
Feast of Mother Mary, Our Lady of Angels of Portiuncula celebrated at St. Anne’s Friar
ThefeastofMotherMary,OurLady of angels of Portiuncula was celebrated in a solemn way at St. Anne’s Friary, Bejai on the 2nd of August 2024. It was a feast of the patronessofSt.Anne’sFriaryChapel as it is called as Portiuncula Chapel. 2ndAugustisanimportantandholy day for the thousands of Franciscans all over the world as they celebrate the feast of
Portiuncula,thecradleofFranciscan Order. As St. Francis of Assisi was ponderingoverhisholyvocation,he heard the voice from the Damiano Cross, “Francis go and rebuild my Church”. He started repairing the churches: the first one was St. Damiano Chapel, second one was St.Peter’sChurchandthethirdone was Portiuncula, Mary the Our Lady of Angels. Portiuncula means “little
portion”. It was in Portiuncula St. FrancisbeganhisfirstOrderin1209 and second Order of Poor Clares in 1212.ThisChapleisnowenclosedin aBasilicainAssisiwhichis5K.m.far from the main Basilica of St. Francis ofAssisi.Thisisthemotherhouseof all Franciscans. St. Francis used to
sayto his brothersaccordingtothe biographerofSt.Francis,St.Thomas of Solano, “If you are driven from one door in this chapel enter by another door”. He begged his brothers never to leave this place. Thisplaceisknownfor“Portiuncula indulgence” or in Italian it is called as “Perdono d’Assisi”. Whoever confesseshisor hersins,attendthe Holy Eucharist and receive
communion, recite the creed and say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and pray for the intentions of Holy Father, one will get plenary indulgence. St. Anne’s friary celebratedthisfeastwithmorethan 50 priests, nearly one hundred religious women and hundreds of layfaithful.MostRev.FrancisSerrao, Bishop of Shimoga diocese was principalcelebrantwhopreachedin his homily about the importance of
Mary Our Lady of Angels and Portiuncula indulgence. Rev. Dr. Rocky D’Cunha, the superior thankedthegatheringattheendof Holy Eucharist. The angelic Padre Pio choir led by Mr Joe helped the peopletoprayandparticipateinthe Holy Eucharist in a meaningful and devout way. The recording of the entire celebration was done by the AuroraStudio.
Toread old andnewVeez
Fearless Heart
Tricky words, they mess with your head, Twisting and turning, filling you with dread. You rely on them, but it's not secure, Hiding stories, feeling unsure.
Stay true, let your values lead the way, Don't let them manipulate, stand firm today. They might try to pull your emotions apart, But remember your value, hold onto your heart.
Keep your dignity shining bright, Even through the darkest night.
By: Stany Jovin Menezes – Muscat / Pangla
AGlobalCalltoAction: Eradicating Human Trafficking
SAFE (Sex Trafficking Awareness, Freedom, and Empowerment)
Coalition for Human Rights (SAFECHR) organized a mega conference on July 30th at Indian American Cultural Center, East Chicago.
On the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons,
celebrated on July 30th, the international community honored global activist Harold D’Souza for his relentless efforts in combating human trafficking and advocating forsurvivors'rights.Thisrecognition underscores D’Souza’s significant contributions to the global fight against trafficking and his compassion and commitment to socialjustice.
HaroldD’Souza, aprominentfigure in the anti-trafficking movement, has been a beacon of hope and resilience for countless survivors worldwide. His impactful work has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious ‘Rashtra Prerna Award 2021’ in India. The World Book of Star Records jury
members selected D’Souza, based in the United States, for this distinguished award, recognizing his extraordinary services both in Indiaandglobally.
In2023,HaroldD’Souzawasfurther honored with the SAFECHR Human Rights Trail Blazer Award. This
accolade, presented by Dr. Kalyani Gopal, Founder and President of SAFECHR, highlights D’Souza’s pioneering efforts in championing human rights. Dr. Gopal, a close collaboratorofD’Souza,invitedhim to speak at this year’s 2024 mega
conference on July 30th. Together, they are spearheading the establishment of a ‘Male Shelter Home,’ a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing support and refuge for male survivors of trafficking.
During the conference, Harold D’Souza delivered a powerful message on identifying red flags in humanlabortrafficking.Addressing a packed audience of dignitaries, including law enforcement officials, senators, congressmen, attorneys, faith leaders, NGO members, and community members, D’Souza emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of labor trafficking. He highlighted the common threats perpetrators use against victims, such as threats of arrest, handcuffing, jailing, and deportation. D’Souza urged the audience to replace the term "illegal" with "undocumented" whenreferringtoimmigrantvictims, emphasizing the importance of humanizingtheirplight.
Inhisinspiringspeech,D’Souzaalso outlined the resources available to immigrants, including Continued
Presence (C.P.) Status, U or T Visas, Permanent Residency Cards, and ultimately U.S. Citizenship. These resources, he noted, are crucial steps towards achieving ultimate freedomforsurvivors.
The conference also saw the participation of Chief Guest Consul General Somnath Ghosh of India, Chicago, who was honored with a memento by Harold D’Souza. In 2023, Ghosh along with Dr. Gopal hadhonored D’SouzawiththeTrail Blazer Award, further cementing their mutual respect and collaboration in the fight against trafficking.
Ambassador D’Souza the recipient of‘HumanRightsHeroAward2023’ attheUnitedNationsHeadquarters spoke of the 30 Human Rights that are contained in a document called the Universal Declarationof Human Rights, created in 1948 by the UnitedNations.D’Souzasaid,article 1 states: We are all born free and equal,article4:Noslavery,article5: No torture and article 17 states the righttoyourownthings.
honor of sharing his Eyes Open Internationalmissionwithesteemed personalities: Earl L. Harris, Jr., Indiana State Representative; Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, an internationally renowned public health physician and the first Asian to receive the U.S. Public Health Service’s Highest Honor during President Bill Clinton’s administration; Dr. Vasavi Chakka; Congressman Frank Mrvan; Senator Mike Braun; Senator Todd Young; and numerous other influential figures. Speaking to the press, D’Souza described the event as ‘God’s Blessings’ and expressed his gratitude for being part of a prestigiouspanelwithtopdecisionmakers and game-changers in ‘Survivors' lives. The panel included Judge Marissa McDermott, Jr., Dr. Kalyani Gopal, Harold D’Souza, Sheriff Jeffery A. Balon, Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann, and Assistant United States AttorneyThomasMcGrath.
HaroldD’Souzahadthedistinct
Harold D’Souza’s journey from slavery to success serves as a living testament to resilience, faith, and
courage. His tireless advocacy and inspirational leadership continue to shinealightonthepathtofreedom and justice for trafficking survivors worldwide.
Points to Ponder, August 2024
Budget 2024-25, Reflecting the Altered Realities
Giventhatwehaveachastened,yet entrenched ruling dispensation, it was not surprising to find sycophants galore trying to out-do each other in singing the virtues of the first budget of the Modi 3.0 regime. This is not to say that the budget is devoid of any positives. Despite pressures of a coalition government, the budget has traversed the path of fiscal consolidation with fiscal deficit coming at 4.9% of GDP as against 5.6% as per provisional actuals for 2023-24. But at the core, the latest budget is an acknowledgement of some economic trends that got highlighted during the election
campaign which have evolved into major concerns over the last few years.
TheGDPforecastof6.5to7%forFY 2024-25 is realistic and conservative, but it still makes India as the fastest growing large economy. However, underlying this robust growth is a rising unease about the distribution of benefits. Data on income and wealth inequality,particularlyovertime,are scarce and disputed and the budget, ostensibly, was forced to recognize the “jobless growth”. Despite capex push in the budget, improving profitability of corporates thanks to lower taxes
and falling commodity prices and adequate credit from the now healthy banking system, there has not been enough investment in the privatesectorandtheusualvirtuous cycle of investment-consumptioninvestment led growth seems to be broken.Thereasonhastobefound in the sluggish household consumption given the massive unemployment/underemployment which coupled with rising inflation has eaten into the already lower disposable incomes, particularly of ruralfamilieswhichhasdeterredthe companies from investing in additional/new capacities in the absenceofadequatedemand.
Bureaucrats (regulators included) arequicktofindalibisforthefailure on the job front by expressing concern that retail money is increasingly flowing from bank depositsintocapitalmarkets,which in their parlance is an euphemism forspeculation.Whilethereappears tobemeritintheSEBIChairperson’s observationthatretailmoneyinthe stockmarketsisfuellingspeculation
instead of capital formation, one is hard put to appreciate RBI Governor’s concern about money flowing into mutual funds at the expense of bank deposits. RBI would do well to have a look at its own data. As per report put out by Jeffries as of March 2023, 15.5% of the total Indian household assets are in gold, second only to real estate which accounts for 50.7%.
Bank deposits (14%), insurance funds(5.9%),providentandpension funds (5.8%), equities (4.7%) and cash (3.4) make up the rest. RBI seems to be chasing shadows. A more meaningful action plan to follow for the central bank, would betobefirstrecognizethatthelevel of service at the banks leaves much to be desired, with its own Ombudsmanschemefarfrombeing effective or efficient. Worse still, with banks offering interest rates thathardlycoverprevailinginflation on post tax basis, only the ignorant or those with really low risk profile wouldgoforbankdeposits.
Itisencouragingtoseeapragmatic “compromise” emerging from the minority BJP government’s budget. To begin with it got its “neutral” expert,Mr.V.AnanthaNageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, to state some hard truths on the eve of the budget.HisEconomicSurveypoints out that India needs to create 8 million non-farm jobs annually till 2036. He also makes a case for seeking more investments from China to boost manufacturing. Quiteagamethisis! Theyhavegot a bureaucrat to record these observationsinafarlesssensational document, which the “manthries” themselveswouldhardlydaremake in public. The observations are welcome,nevertheless.
The budget has been compelled to rise above the statistical gimmicks of the past. One umbrella that has beenhidingbothopenandinvisible unemployment has been the amorphous categories of self employed and casual labour. AllocationsofRs2laccroresforjob creation over the next 5 years is a
humbling though happy acknowledgementoftheurgencyto tackle pervasive unemployment/underemployment.
The action plan comprises incentivizing hiring in the formal sector by contributing to employees’firstmonth’swagesand reimbursingsomeoftheemployers’ social security contributions. It also includes new training/skilling programmes for women. More encouraging was the fact that the budget has not even hesitated to borrow from the Congress party’s election manifesto when it came to proposing a scheme to provide internship at the top listed companies for 1 crore young people.
Agriculture, which contributes around 15% of the GDP but employs 45% of the country’s 56.5 croreworkforce,hasbeentheother focus area. Provision for agriculture andalliedsectorsisestimatedat Rs 1.52 lac crores. It is planned to expand digital public infrastructure to link farmers with digital land
records and crop surveys and give them better access to information such as market prices. The government has also pledged to introduce high yielding, climate resilient crop varieties. But the budget seems to have conveniently forgotten the government’s promise to double farmer income. Therewasnoannouncementofany increase in PM Kisan which stays at Rs 6000 per farmer. May be the expectation is that higher productivity, better R&D, technology and easier and betterinformed access to market will result in better incomes. A budget ofhopeforthefarmers?
The budget has had to reflect the altered political reality. Having failed to acquire an absolute majority, the BJP had to rely on coalition partners to stayafloat and thepartnersdemandedtheirpound offlesh.Bihar,ruledbyJD(U)oneof the allies, has got Rs 26000 crores for development of road connectivityandRs21400croresfor 2400 MW plant at Pirpanti, apart
from assistance for new airports, medical colleges and sports infrastructure. In the south in Andhra Pradesh, TDP of Chandrababu Naidu, the other crucialally,gotacommitmentinthe budgettofacilitatefinancialsupport through multilateral agencies of Rs 15000croresforthenewcapitalcity of Amaravathi and funds for early completion of Polavaram Project with promise of more assistance in thecomingyears.
There was little for the middle class to celebrate other than tinkering withthetaxslabsunderthenewtax regime and paltry increase in standard deduction. For investors there were some pain points in the increase in capital gains tax and Securities Transaction Tax on derivativetransactions.
Capital expenditure outlay of Rs 11.11 lac crores, a growth of 17% is retainedfromtheinterimbudget Despitethelargessetothecoalition partners and capital outlay of 3.4% of GDP, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget has managed
a modus vivendi, thanks largely to the increasing contribution from taxpayersandawindfallofRs2.1lac crores from the RBI. Hopefully the rating upgrade could be round the corner, further reducing cost of borrowingforthecountry.
Diocese of Shimoga lost another Priest in Rev. Fr Paul D’Souza (51). He hails from St. Peter’s Church, Gonibeedu,Chikmagalur.
Hewassufferingfromliverrelated
issues for the last few years. Yesterday August 3rd he breathed his last at Fr Muller’s Hospital at Mangaloreat9:40pm.
He was born 10/12/1972 and Ordained priest for the Diocese of Shimoga on 04/05/2004. He served as Assistant Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church, Sharavathinagar, Shivamogga and as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church & Manger and Corresspondent of Assumptionschool,Hiriyur.
