Courageous Lady 'Marina DSilva' Inspires Humanity
(SEE PAGE 7
(Line of Control - LoC)
Courageous Lady 'Marina' Inspires Humanity.
A few days ago, the unexpected passing away of a young inspiring teacher Mrs. Marina D'Silva (42 yrs) of Hemmadi, Kundapur, caused a gloom enveloping the many folks who knewherandallthosewhoreadthe news - indeed sad. You will understand as you read into her short life story as to her resilience, courage, acceptance of God's blessingsonher,herjoyfulattitude, and much more in a pleasantdelicate personality. She went to a local private hospital to
check on a mild fever and without warning she passed away amid unbelievable shock and sorrow onOctober14, 2024. Her husband Lloyd D'Silva, owner of Oasis Electronics and two little daughters were devastated and stunned even though sorrow was no stranger to Lloyd. As humans we shun sorrow and trials and fear anything that looks hard, but around us among the lakhs of people sorrow and difficultiesisapartoflifeandonlyif one accepts and adjusts to these sadhappeningsthatourinsightand tolerance in life is balanced. All humanswhoareborndonotlive,all must die sometime or the other. The lamp of life must extinguish when the dawn finallyarrives and death is only the other side of the coin of life, which istemporaryinallitsunderstanding and happiness. Let us keep the family in our memory and Pray that GODalways overseestheminthe
This short story is prompted for its human values and tenacity - I remembered these names from a newsitemIdidinJune2016,ittruly touched me and pulled at my heart
stringsandmaybesorrowingalittle while will console me and others to know, hence this memorial. Most mayrecall the incidentbackinJune 2016. It was the 21st, a rainy day. The accident took place at around 8.15am near Movady Cross on National Highway 66 in Gangolli when the white Omni van, which was taking a turn into a road heading to the school, was hit by
the speeding bus. Hemmady wore apallofsorrow,ithadmaybe3,000
orsoresidentsandthevictimswere of this place. A horrific tragedy: Eight schoolchildren, including six girls,agedbetween4and13.Eleven children, who were injured, were treated at KMC Hospital in Manipal. The children were being ferriedintheMarutiOmnivanfrom Hemmady village to Don Bosco school in Trasi. Two of the girls Nikitha D'Silva and Ananya D'Silva were daughters of Marina & Lloyd D'Silva - we are grieving over Marina here. It is impossible for a mere mortal to fathom the grief of this young mother at that point in time. Yes, but she took courage from her Almighty and pulled herself out of that grief with immense human courage and powerfromGOD.
along, but her dignified acceptance and battle is unique. Consider the episodes of her trials and valiant battles:
1. Few years before the loss of Ananya & Nikitha in the school van accident, Marina donated one kidney to her brother, hoping that her brother could lead a normal life withthefamily. Notlongafterthe kidneyfailedandhepassed on,this was the first shock,but her hope and faith never diminished and even after the great tragedy of losingher two children she lived on with grace and substance from the highest.
MarinaD'Silva's story is deep, her family has supported and cared all
2. Sooninthenextfewyearslifeof the family went on and a great miracleofGOD,Marina&Lloydhad twomoregirlsandlifewasrestored
to the family and all seemed filled withjoy.
3. Another thunderboltstruck, and Marina was diagnosed with cancer, but with the great fighting spirit in herandthefamily,shewasdeclared normalaboutacoupleofyearsago and life progressed without a hitch andthetwogirlswenttoschooland Marina too took up teaching. She was seenas anassetallaroundand her contribution to church and social causes was noted and admired. Unbelievably on October 14, 2024, her life of just 42 years endedwithoutanywarningandher funeral was on October 16, 2024, in herhomeparish,suchisthelifeofa human full of trials, hopes and uncertainty.
Marina D'Silva's briefand exemplarypositivelifegivesallwho become aware of this unique life storya strong belief that GOD does allaccordingtoHIS Divine plans
which are not beyond the human ethos, howeveroddandtryingthey are,andthetestsarepartandparcel of life with joy and sorrow. People get frustrated even when small misfortunes befall and get depressedbeyond all reason. Frail Marina, even after repeated blows again and again, takes the courage of the Supreme and goes on untilher call comes in a unique sudden manner. Our end on this earthly world is sure and no manmade religious systemcan be rightaboutit.TheAlmightygivesus real true-life supportto cling on towith no cause for hopelessness. Does God always appear to be very trying to some and not all - HE ordains human life and is free to give or take, humans needtobowtoHolyWill.
-IvanSaldanha-Shet.
HARVESTING SOULS?
#chhotebhai
Back in 2000 Arun Shourie wrote a book “Harvesting Souls –Missionaries, their designs and claims”. It was a condemnation of everythingremotelyconnectedwith missionaries.IntheIndiancontextit wasaboutourChristianpresence.
For those who came in late this bookwaswrittenintheaftermathof
hisaddresstotheCBCIatitsannual gathering. It was also a consequence of Pope John Paul II’s secondvisittoIndiain1998.Hehad then released his infamous encyclical “Ecclesia in Asia”, asserting that the third millennium of Christianity was the time for the conversion of Asia. He said this on IndiansoilasaguestoftheState!
It was a grossly insensitive statementthateffectivelyclosedthe doors on any further papal visits to India. It also added grist to the mill ofthoseantagonistictoChristianity. Welaypersonsareleftdumbstruck at the naiveté of our bishops and pope and must face the brunt of theirinsensitiveactsandutterances.
However, it was not Shourie’s book, but a homily preached 1400 years ago, by another pope, that got me thinking about the “harvest”. That was homily No 17 of Pope St Gregory the Great, as found in the breviary,page629,volumeIII,inthe office of Readings for the 27th Sunday of the liturgical year, this
12th October.Iusethebreviary,also known as the liturgy of the hours, formydailyprayer.
This pope, only one of three that have the suffix “Great”, was the 64th pope, for 14 years from 590 to 604. Let me quote from this homily that hit me like a sledgehammer and occasioned this article. He was commenting on Jesus’ lament:
“Hefeltsorryforthembecausethey were harassed and dejected like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples – The harvest is richbutthelabourersarefew,soask the Lord of the harvest to send out
labourers to his harvest” (Mat 9:3637). His response to Jesus’ lament wasasfollows:
• Itgrievesustohavetosaythat the labourers for this great harvest are few, because there are not enough people to preach the good news, although there are people waitingtohearit.
• We see around us a world full of priests, but it is very rare to find a labourer in God’s harvest, because we are not doing the work demanded by ourpriesthood
• Preachers are often prevented fromspeakingbecauseoftheir ownwickedness
• We do know for certain that the silence of the preacher, while it is sometimes damaging to himself, is always damagingtothoseinhiscare
• What causes great grief is the sortoflifeledbysomepastors
• The fact is that we have allowed ourselves to become involvedinexternalaffairs,and the contrast between the honour we have received and the way in which we carry out
the duties of our office is very great
• We give up the ministry of preachingandtoourdiscredit. We are called bishops, but enjoy this honour in name only,andnotinpractice.
• The people entrusted to our care are abandoning God and weremainsilent.
• We shall never be able to correctthelivesofothersifwe neglect our own. We are wrappedupinthecaresofthis world, and the more we seem tobusyourselveswithexternal affairs the more spiritually insensitivewebecome.
• We are neglecting our own proper ministry if we remain wrappedupinexternalaffairs.
Thisisasdamningan indictment as there could ever be. The fact that it is reproduced in the breviary is indicative of the importance and relevance of this exhortation. It makes me wonder – has anything really changed in the last 1400 years? Being busy with external affairs, the faithful abandoning the church! Are they discrediting their position? Are bishops attending
convent concerts and cutting ribbons, or priests as principals and managers, preaching or bearing Christianwitness?
CanonLawconsiderstheBreviaryor Liturgy of the Hours a sacred obligation to attain perfection in one’s ministry. “Priests and deacons aspiring to the priesthood are obliged to carry out the liturgy of the hours daily” (Can276:3).
Sadly,theclericalbreviaryhasoften
been replaced by the administrator’s briefcase. This is what the great pope was hinting at when he said that the bishops and clergy have become involved in “external affairs”. I don’t think he was referring to sexual affairs, but worldlyaffairsthathavederailedthe labourersinthevineyard.
In today’s context, instead of tending to the vines to bear more fruit (caring for the community and seeking its growth), the managers (not labourers) are busy acquiring more and more vineyards, farmhouses with guard dogs and highwalls.
Read between the lines – acquiring properties, building more institutions and the pre-occupation with protecting these fixed assets; rather than the kerygma (proclamation), metanoia (conversion of heart), diaconia (services) and koinonia (community building) that is expected of them. ThatwasJesus’lamentwhenhesaw thepeopleofGodassheepwithout ashepherd.
shepherds is even more sinister. “Disaster is in store for the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Are not shepherds meant to feed the flock? Yet you have fed on milk, you have dressed yourselves in wool, you have sacrificed the fattest sheep but failed to feed the flock. You have failedtomakeweaksheepstrongor tocareforthesickonesorbandage the injured ones. You have failed to bringbackstraysorlookforthelost … My flock has been scattered all over the world, no one bothers about them, and no one looks for them”(Ez 34: 3-6).
TheprophetEzekiel’swarningtothe
ThereismuchmorethatEzekielsays about wayward shepherds. Let this much suffice. The above is not my opinion, but what the Lord himself is saying to us through the scriptures. I have many friends among bishops and priests. They are mostly good people. But that is
precisely the conundrum, because merely being good is not nearly good enough. It leads to complacency and a degenerative backwardslide.
Let me conclude with some observations on Gregory the Great, for he practiced what he preached. At the death of Pope Pelagius II in 590 the Romans unanimously electedGregorytobehissuccessor. However, in humility, he resisted being consecrated for seven months. As pope he continued to live the simple life of a monk. One of his first acts was to enforce the law of celibacy on priests, deacons andsubdeacons.
He also protected the Jews residing in Italy and sent missionaries to EnglandtosavetheenslavedAngeli (English) and make them Angeli (angels). Indeed, for those in the vineyardoftheLordwecannot
harvestanythinguntilandunlesswe ourselves become Angeli in both preceptandpractice.Wehavemuch to learn from Pope Gregory the Great; else we will have more Shourie’s falsely indicting us for “harvesting non-existent souls”.
Tene Habba (Harvest Festival) in October
Dr.CharlesLobo
Konkani speaking non-Goan Catholic cannot appreciate or comprehend celebration the Harvest feast or Novem Jevann without Maria Bambina (Balok Mori). For them both are intertwinedandinseparable.Itisnot so among the faithful of the CSI (Protestant) Church of Mangalore. To understand this the author visited the Cathedral and took part in the festival celebration at CSI Shanti Cathedral.
TheTeneHabbawas celebrated in the CSI Shanti Cathedral Church at Balmatta on 6 October 2024. The Basel Mission had its headquarters here. On the same day it was celebrated in some other parishes such as CSI Church in Udupi. Most of the Protestant churches in this part of Karnataka celebrate the
festival on the first Sunday of October although some celebrate it on the second Sunday. In Goa it is celebrated on different days of August. In Mangalore the CSI Church celebrates the festival on different Sundays in October. Mother Mary or Infant Mary is not the central deity during the festival in both the places. The Harvest festival (TeneHabba) of Protestants appears to be closer to the Goan tradition compared to the Mangalore Catholic tradition although there is no historical justification.
BaselMissioncametoMangalorein 1834. When they started the missionary work and proselytization, they did not get much response from the Upper Castes and hence they converted the Dalits and backward classes.
TheylearntTululanguageandwrote and preached in the vernacular. Harvest Festival is basically a thanksgiving festival for them and not connected to Blessed Virgin Mary. They do not venerate Mother Mary. Children do not bring flowers tothechurchtooffertoInfantMary. The festival is knownas TeneHabba (Konnsanchem Fest) as in Goa. It is also known as the Bule-Kaanike habba.
Bule-Kaanike isa Tuluword. It isthe feastofofferingthefirstfruitstothe GodsandDaivasbytheTulupeople. The use of Tulu in their worship and hymns is quite common. It is also known as Falotsava , meaning festivaloffirstfruit.Fruitheremeans new crop; anything produced from the earth. It is not used in the strictest sense of mango fruit or apple fruit.
TheKannadaservicebeganat8a.m. in the CSI Shanti Cathedral, Balmatta. The Church was decorated with coconut fronds which is a local cultural feature. The decoration was apt and not over
done with bunting. The faithful broughtvegetables,fruitsandother offerings to be auctioned after the service. later. The sugarcane heap was found stored on the corridors for distribution to the faithful after the service. The Tene(Kanshi) was the most important offering. After the initial prayers the procession entered the church while the choir sang the entrance hymn. The offerings and Tene were blessed at the beginning of the service. The Bishop of the Diocese was present duringthe service.
Coconutfronds TheFaithful
SugarcaneTeneHomily
As usual, the service began with initialprayersandconfessionofsins. During the confession prayers, every time the faithful responded saying Lord,showus Mercy . This
ForAuction
InteriorsoftheShanti Cathedral was followed by praise and thanksgiving. The faithful sang Laksha Stotra Ninage Aagalenna Devare(Glory to you my God). As thiswasaspecialdayofFalotsavaor TeneHabba , the Liturgy had special prayers thanking God for the new crop. There were two readings, and both were specific to the festival of newcrop. “Afteryouhaveoccupied the land that the Lord your God is giving you and have settled there, each of you must place in a basket the first part of each crop that you harvest and you must take it with you to the one place of worship.”(Deuteronomy 26: 1-11)
“AndGodwhosuppliedseedtosow and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and willmakeitgrowandproducearich harvest…” (2 Corinthians 9: 6-11) There was no sermon after the reading instead the youth choir and men’s choir sang melodious hymns. In Catholic churches the readings used on that day are connected to Mary. The words Sant-annacha Udarim Mannik Zolmalan etc. are usedtodescribeMary.Thepreacher describes Mary as the mother of God and Jesus as the fruit. That is how the harvest feast is connected to fertility.
The Harvest Festival is found in the Old Testament as per the first reading and therefore is a very ancientone.Itwascelebratedbythe Jews too. Harvest Festival is celebratedineveryreligiontothank God for the bountiful harvest. But strangely Konkani speaking Catholics do not follow the thanksgiving festival in Mangalore during Harvest. It has taken the shape of Monti Fest which is linked
to Infant Mary and celebrated around Chavatfestival of Konkannis (GSB) whovenerate God Ganesha. HindustoocelebrateTeneHabbaas Koral Parba during Navaratri (Dasara) in October. Koral (Korale in Kannada and Thinaiin Tamil) is a kind of millet. It is said the word Thinaihas become Tene.
I was surprised to hear the special hymns in Tulu during the service, sung exclusively on this occasion. LiketheNovalVortovlanandSakkad Sangata Melyan which are sung during Monti Fest, the hymn Bule Kaanikeis sung exclusively during this festival. Four stanzas out of the 8 stanzas in Tulu are given below: Yehova-stotra-stutine/panddh/aya kirtine/gumpudu ini saarile/kondaaduga-Alleuia
Shuddhabuddhine/puttalaPriya swamiye/alleluia-Alleluia
In simple words it means Let us count Gods blessings one by one and let our hearts sing Alleluia. Let ussingandpraisetheOnewhotook care of the fruit of the field and of thefarm.PleaseacceptthesegiftsO Lordand give us wisdom. Letallthe people praise and worship Him. Alleluia.
VeryrarelywehearsuchTuluhymns in our Catholic Churches in the city. The use of the word Korinayanto describe God shows the personal touch with God. It was an enriching experience to attend the service. Basel Mission Missionaries who worked for Tulu language and among Tulu people would be very happyto hear this hymn.
After the collection of cash offerings, the bishop gave the homily. He advised to recognize the hard work of farmers. He said that we think that we are saving the environment by planting trees but do not think about the farmer who works day and night in his field and
farm. He thanked the family of a farmer who has been donating the Tene to the church. Such noble thoughts! He also praised the initiative of schoolteachers who teach school children to plant (Neji) of paddy saplings in the field in monsoon. He also said that if we sowgoodseeds,thenwecanreapa good harvest. He advised to sow goodpracticesamongtheyouthfor abettergenerationinthefuture.He said that there are no vocations in thediocesesincethenineyearsand sowing of God’s Wordis affected.
Before the service ended, the Tene (Kanshi) was distributed by the volunteers. The service ended after the last hymn. The new rice is eaten by the family on this day and some ofitishungonthemainentranceto the house to remain there till next year. The lunch is vegetarian, and thefoodisservedonplantainleaves as per tradition. Refreshment and sugarcaneweredistributedtoallthe faithful. Auctions of fruits and vegetables and other consumable items like rice bags followed. In the afternoon sports and games were
heldforallagegroupsstartingfrom 4 years.
ceilingabovetheAltar It made me recollect the Monti Fest oftheoldendaysinBejaiParish.The Monti Saibinichi Sabha started in Bejai Parish is one of its kind in the Diocese.ItusedtobetheMud-Dom (Chief Patron) to organize the festival. After the harvest meal people used to assemble in the church ground in the evening for games. Tug of war was the attraction. Other games were also organized by the Sabha for parishioners. They are only memoriesnow.Ithasbeentakenby Pepe-rePepe-redumand Kesarudu Onjidinapromotedby the Parishes. We know that our Monti Fest is nearly 500-year-old. How old is this Tene Habba, I asked some senior members of the Church. One of them said he is 85 years old and since his childhood he has been participatinginthefestival.Itisvery old, he said. Although I could not find out the year in which it started in Mangalore, perhaps, as a thanksgiving festival it is a very old tradition which started with the arrival of the Basel Mission to Mangalore. CSI Shanti Cathedral
wasfounded in 1862. Samuel Hebich and other German Missionaries started the first Mission station in Mangalore after theirarrivalin1834. InGermanythis year the Harvest Festival was celebrated on 6 October 2024. It is known as The Erntedankfest . Perhaps that explains why it is celebrated in October. For the Tulu speaking faithful, it coincides with KoralParbaduring Navaratri.
According to Fr Pratap Naik S. J. in Goa now Mônti Fest is known as “Saybinničhya Zølmačhi Pørøb”, or “Fulančhem Fest”, or the Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni. The Catholics of Goa do not combine the Harvest Festival known as “KønnsančhemFestwithMôntiFest. It is celebrated in the month of August. Raia village of Salcete has thefirstprivilegeofcelebratingiton the 5th of August. In Bardes (North Goa), Aldona and Salvador do Mundo are the first to celebrate the Harvest Feast on the 6th of August. In Salcete (South Goa), mostly it is celebratedonthe15thofAugust.In Tiswadi, this feast is celebrated
mostly on the 24th of August. However, the village of Taleigão has theprivilegeovertheothersforthis festival. It starts on the 21st and ends on the 24th of August. The priest blesses the new paddy crop and harvests a few sheaves of corn. In Goa this feast among Catholics is celebratedbytheGaunkars(original settlers) only in rotation. The Gaunkar who celebrates the feast according to his turn, has to offer a lavish lunch to other Gaunkars. The otherparishionershavenoroleinit. Thus unfortunately, the Harvest Feast among the Catholics in Goa is limited only to Gaunkars and is not celebrated by the Gaonkar entire parish community.
Monti Fest according to tradition was started in the 16th C in Goa by Fr. Gaspar Barzeus and it was brought to Mangalore by the migrant population and Missionaries from Goa. Monte Mariano Church of Farangipet (Mangalore) and Fr. Joachim Miranda are closely associated with it. Eating the new rice (Harvest) is associated with the feast of Blessed
Virgin Mary among Goan migrants and the descendants.
The Tene Habba of Church of South India has no connection with Mary andinthatrespect,itisclosertothe Goan tradition.
Dr.CharlesLobo
Time To Abort
-By: Molly Pinto.
As far back as one can humanly trace, the road to this day and time Has been a bloody river of animals and people, absorbed by Mother Earth
Therefore, ever so often she needs a release, with natural disasters
An earthly purge from the indigestion of taking much too much
This beautiful planet, is surely an envy to behold and be a part of Rich in everything we could possibly need for our comfort
While animals didn't wish for more than their daily bread
Humans, on the other hand, grew more inhuman, selfish and proud
Building walls and destructive weapons in the name of self preservation
Creating divides in different faiths, claiming superiority
Asserting and professing at the progress made
All the while poisoning the very well of life, for everyone
What is in one is in the whole, be not mistaken or misguided
We are a bio-spiritual ecology, disguised in different costumes
Unfortunately evil disguises in sheep's coats
While good men sit in silent meditation, refusing confrontation
-MollyPinto,Mangalore
Moving Forward…
Today is not tomorrow, don't wait to begin, Later you lose interest, and time starts to thin. Later you'll grow old, with dreams left behind, Regret will soon follow, clouding your mind. So, rise today, let your heart be your guide, There's no use in waiting, no reason to hide. Each moment is fleeting, like sand in the breeze, Act, embrace it, live life with ease.
What's waiting for you? It's here, it's now,
Start something today and make your own vow.
By: Stany Jovin Menezes – Muscat / Pangla
AMERICAN – INDIAN ELECTION CONTRASTS
#chhotebhai
It is said that comparisons are odious; but we need contrasts. We keepadjustingthemonourphones, TVs and PCs. Contrasts, however, arenotlimitedtoelectronicscreens.
More importantly, contrasts, especially stark contrasts, help us understand many things in life. Comparisons and contrasts are perhapsthebestwayforward.
Overthelastfewmonths,especially after Kamala Harris entered the US presidential election fray, I have been keenly following the excessively long-drawn-out process ofelectionsthere.Thisinfact, ismy first comparison and contrast. The US race stretches out for about two
years, with primaries and then the election/ endorsement of the party’s nominee. In contrast, in India,wehavejustabout20daysfor canvassing between filing of nominationsandvoting.
I feel that the US process is much too long drawn out, eliciting yawns and election fatigue. In contrast, I also feel that in India the 20-day window is too short; to really come toknowacandidateandwhat(s)he stands for. This could at least be extended to a month. What I like about the American system is the procedure for selecting their candidates, where party delegates choose their candidate. In his first flush of electoral excitement Arvind Kejriwal did experiment with this in Delhi.Subsequentlyhetooreverted to the High Command style of imposingcandidates.
Another good thing about the American style is the debates in whichcandidatesfaceoffliveonTV.
Though not a perfect system it certainly helps to get to know the respective candidates’ strengths andweaknesses.Incontrast,herein India,debateisalmostnon-existent, even in parliament. In the current regime, presiding officers of both houses act more like classroom monitors, telling opposition memberstoshutupandsitdown.
Another thing about the US system that I really like is the way that TV anchors/hostsroastthecandidates. Thereisalsoahighlevelofsarcasm and criticism. Again, in contrast, YouTube hosts here like Dhruv Rathee and Ravish Kumar must be constantly looking over their shoulders to see if the CBI, ED or some other government agency is coming for them. It must however besaidtotheircreditthatinthelast LokSabhaelectionsthisFifthEstate of social influencers played a major roleinmouldingpublicopinion.
IfthereisoneareawheretheIndian electoral system is better than the American one it is the time lag between the declaration of results and installation in office. Once the results are declared and the
legislative party leader is elected, it is just a couple of days before the swearing in ceremony takes place, usuallyonanauspiciousdateofthe winner’s choice. In contrast, in the US,whilethepresidentialresultsare out by the first week of November, the installation takes place two months later, in the first week of January. This gives troublemakers ampletimetoraiseastink,asTrump and his supporters did in January 2021;afterhelosttoJoeBiden.
An area where both countries seem to be on the same page is that of exitpolls.Afterthe20204LokSabha andnowHaryanaassemblyelection exit polls went horribly wrong, I have lost all confidence in them. EvenaveteranlikeRajdeepSardesai saidthatinfuturehewouldnotstick hisneckouttomakeanyprediction.
In the US the exit polls are even trickier, because they must be done State wise as in each Sate it is the winner that takes all. That was how Hilary Clinton lost in 2016. Opinion polls showed her leading over Trumpinpopularityratings,butshe lost because of the “winner takes all”systeminswingStates. Again,in contrast, in India, the “first past the
post” system applies to individual constituencies only. I daresay that theIndiansystemisbetter.
Let us now address some critical questions. Who is better – Harris or Trump? Perhaps this needs to be broken down into four sub-texts. Who is better for America, who is better for the world, who is better for India and who is better for Christians?
Trump’sappealisto“MakeAmerica
Great Again” (MAGA). Perhaps this is what appeals most to his supporters, especially white males. Ironically, by saying this they are simultaneously admitting that America is no longer great! This hyper-nationalism, coupled with religious fundamentalism, has been used to devastating effect in India too. Trump alleges that Haitian migrants are eating pet dogs and cats. Modi points to threats from
“others”likeMuslimsandPakistanis. In fairness, Indira Gandhi also used the spectre of the “foreign hand” to stampede powerless people into her fold, to hold the sceptre of power. Going by public perception, not necessarily the best barometer, Trump probably comes out best in theanswertothefirstquestion.
Next, who is better for the world? I look at it from a single standpoint. Whohasastrongercommitmentto world peace? Unfortunately, America has a dirty record from Vietnam to Iraq, Afghanistan and now Ukraine and Gaza. The US still holdsbraggingrightsastheworld’s policemen. The UN – what’s that? Hence it becomes a difficult questiontoanswer.MAGAsayswhy waste American money on defending Ukraine. Biden and by default Harris, have gone on pumping sophisticated arms and ammunition into Ukraine, directly benefiting its powerful arms lobby. Worse still it has unabashedly supported disproportionately devastatingattacksoninnocentand defenceless people in Gaza, and nowLebanon.
Firing missiles from a safe distance is not an act of bravery. Harris has made some noises about the deescalation of the Gaza attacks and the easy access to assault rifles in the US; but in the final equation thereisnotmuchtochoosefromas far as world peace is concerned. However,Iwillnowapplyayardstick that I often advocate – that a mad dog is more dangerous than an enemy. You can anticipate an enemy’s actions but not that of a mad dog. Guess who the mad dog is?ThelettersarelikeMAGA.
Now to the third question – who is betterforIndia?Anothertrickyone. In 2020 Modi made an audacious call at an NRI rally in America “Abki baar Trump Sarkaar” (This time Trump for president). It was gross interferenceintheinternalaffairsof another country. Imagine if Georgia MeloniofItaly,withhermelodyline,
were to root for Modi in an Indian election. All hell would break loose. Fortunately,inhislatesttriptoNew York, Modi did not even attempt to meeteitherTrumporHarris.
Harris is half Indian and Trump’s Vice president running mate, J.D. Vance, has an Indian wife, Usha. What impact this would have on American voters of Indian origin, I cannot predict. But I doubt if their Indian ness would have any impact on relations with India. That will be determined by realpolitik and lucrative arms sales to India. Trump had earlier referred to Modi as a friend. In the same breath he accused India of being the biggest abuser of trade tariffs. Here again it seemslikeevenstevens.
Now to the last question – how do Christians view the two candidates? It is no secret that the Catholic bishopsoftheUShavebeenrooting for Trump, because of his antiabortion stance, to the exclusion of all other factors. These same bishops are also inimical to Pope Francis’ reformist and liberal agenda.TrumpoftenreferstoHarris asaMarxistleftliberal.
In contrast I have seen a few YouTube videos of an Episcopalian priest Father David who questions Christians supporting Trump. He calls him a fornicator, cheater and convicted felon (criminal). He quotesPopeFrancistosaythatone needs to choose the lesser evil between the senhor (Trump) and senhora (Harris). While decrying abortion on the one hand Francis usesequallystrongtermstocriticise thosewhotreatmigrantslikecattle. Francis, as we know, is very passionate about migrant rights. David also opines that the presidential race should not boil downtoone issue – abortion. From a Christian perspective I would say thatpersonwhoismorecommitted to peace and human rights is the personofchoice.
Thereisonemoreissuethatshould concern world citizens, not just Americans – climate change. We knowthatTrumpdismissesthisasa joke. He pokes fun at electric cars and claims that windmills cause cancer!Ifthisisn’tmadnesswhatis? Remember Don Quixote tilting at windmills? Not very different from DonTrump.
In the words of Pope Francis then, the Americans must choose the lesser of the two evils. Hobson’s choice, comparisons and contrasts notwithstanding.
• ThewriteristheConvenorof theIndianCatholicForum
Prof Edmund J B Frank Releases his 12th Academic Book in Japan.
Prof.EdmundFrankisa well-known long serving don at St.Aloysius University Mangalore. He has authored books and literature on diverse subjects, this is the 12th of his books in the discipline of Management "Production and OperationsManagement" anditis fortunate to be of great service to undergraduate and post-graduate students. Let us take a brief peek
into the contentsand releases of this book.... First of all an informal inhouse presentation took place at St.AloysiusUniversityMangalore : The Vice Chancellor Rev Dr PraveenMartisSJpresentedittothe audience "Production and Operations Management”, this book is published by 'St Aloysius Prakashana'. It covers the Production and Operations
Presenting a copy of my book to the Provincial, Japan Province Fr Sakuma Tsutomu SJ and with the Chancellor, Sophia University Fr Sali Augustin SJ
ManagementsyllabusforBBA,MBA andPGDBM courses.Thisbook was also released at the Sophia University in Tokyo Japan on 11 October2024. on the sidelines of the Governing Council meeting of the
Confederation of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni Associations (WUJA) held on October 11 & !2, 2024 to which prof Edmund Frank was a delegate, 15 members from 10countrieswerepresent.
The book on Production and Operations Management authored by Prof Edmund JB Frank, St Aloysius (Deemed to Be University) Mangalore was jointly released by the Chancellor of the Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan and the President of the Confederation of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni Associations (WUJA) at Governing Council meeting of WUJA at the Sophia University in Japan on 11 October2024.
IntheinitialpagesofthisbookDr Prakash PintoProf and Dean, Department of Business Administration,St Joseph Engineering College, (Autonomous),Vamanjoor, Mangalorehasgivenafittinggist topotentialusersasfollows: This book “Production and Operations Management” deals with the essentialsofproduction,operations and materials management and
covers areas like planning, designing, managing, controlling and execution of manufacturing operations. It also includes topics like Operations Strategies, Quality Management, Demand Forecasting, Plant layouts,Productivity Enhancement, Maintenance, Computer Aided Designing and Manufacturing,
Application of Industrial Robots, Vendor Development, Stores Management, InventoryControl, Purchasing Management and many more. In short, this volume covers thesyllabusrequirementofmostof the Universities and can be of interest to students for courses like PGDBM,IIM, MBA,BBA, Mechanical Engineering and most certainly for managers wanting to explore deeperintothearenaofProduction andOperationsManagement. Whatisuniqueaboutthisbookand
theauthorisProf.EdmundJBFrank has 23 yearsindustry experience in India and abroad and a teaching experience of 27 years as the Prof. and Dean at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Mangalore. This is his 12thbook and the 5th book on Business Management relatedsubjects.Auniquefeatureof this book is, itcontains 13 Case Study Problems which is necessary for a book on Business Management subjects and most of the case problems are drawn from the author's real-life experience inindustry and academics. He has also participated in conferences at thenationalandworldlevel.
ProfFrankisconsistentlyinvolvedin philanthropicactivitiesreachingthe unreachedinsociety.Analumnusof StAloysius College, Mangalore, Loyola College, Chennai and St Xavier College, Mumbai,Prof. EdmundFrankistherecipientofthe
prestigious “Eminent Aloysian Alumni Award 2022” from the Management of St Aloysius Institutions and the St Aloysius College AlumniAssociation (SACAA)I am given to understand that this book, willbe released at the Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan on 11 October 2024 by Mr FranciscoGuarner, President of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni Associations (WUJA) at itsGoverning Council meeting in the presence of dignitaries from differentcountrieswhichindeedare commendable.Thisbookiscertainly going tobe a treasure house for anyone aspiring to learn more on this interestingsubject of Production and Operations Management.
What the Author himself says about the book
Briefly:
Operations management refers to themanagementoffunctionsthata business needs to run effectively
day-to-day. It is a relatively young disciplineandhasevolved from productionmanagementforthelast six decades and is directly relevant to a) industrial and production managers, b) operations analysts and c) administrative service managers. I have also highlighted thesignificance of Computer Aided Designing, Computer Aided Manufacturing and the role of IndustrialRobots in manufacturing. Students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, will gain new insightsfrom the cutting-edge developments in production and operations management dealt with inthisbook. Ihavemadeaserious efforttodrawfrommytwenty-three yearsreallifeexperienceinbusiness and industry in the fields of materials management, marketing and operation management both inIndia and abroad. To top this all, my toil as an entrepreneur both in thefieldofbusinessandagriculture, my active involvement in service related activities in the society and myworkinIndianprisonstoimpart knowledge basedskillsandtraining to prisoners, and my teaching experience asProfessor in Business Management at the Post Graduate
levelsat St Aloysius(Deemed To Be University)Mangalore,hasgivenme theversatilitytocapsulethesubject matterdiscussedinthisbookinthe rightperspective.
I express my gratitude to Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to BeUniversity) Mangalore for the encouragement and support to write this book. I thank St Aloysius Prakashana, the Publication Unit of St Aloysius (Deemed to Be University) Mangalore, for publishingthis book. I am thankful
to my nieces Amanda Frank and Amica Frank for charting out the sketchesand tables for this book very artistically. My compliments to Melrin Lobo for the beautiful coverdesign of this book. I am grateful to Dr Prakash Pinto, Prof and Dean in the Department of BusinessAdministration, St Joseph Engineering College (Autonomous) Vamanjoor, Mangalore for his crisp andforthrightappraisalofthebook andtheauthor.Ihavetakenextracts from my favourite books "Production and Operations Management” authored by William J Stevenson and “Manufacturing Organization and Management” authored jointly by Harold T. Amrine, John A Richey, Colin l. Moodieand Joseph Kmec. I have also extensively screened and borrowed relevant information, updates andarticles from the internet. I thank Prasad Printers, Kulshekar,andMangalorefordoing a neat andexcellent job in printing thisbook.
Technological changes have had considerable impact on the manner how manufacturing concernsand businesses are managed. Although
the subject matter in areas like determining stock quantitiesand ordering levels, economic order quantities, just-in-time inventory and production, and fewothers are technicalinpart,Ihavetriedtoeven out the mathematical content and express thesubject matter in a manner that even students of humanities and arts can easily grasp,understandandbenefitfrom. Operations management, as well stated in this book, apart from production,extendsintomarketing, finance and procurement as well. Many of you will be employed directly inproduction and operations in various capacities while others will have jobs directly relatedtothisarea.So,whetherthis isyourareaofstudyornot,thecore business concepts dealt with in this book will certainly have an impact onyourwork.
insights from the most recent and advanced stages of developments in production and operations management dealt with in thisbook. My purpose in writing this book, which happens to be my 12th book, is threefold: i) to providethe readers a current comprehensive, state-of-the-art analysis of production and operationsmanagement ii) To present the most up-to-date coverage of production and operationsmanagementliterature inaveryeasytounderstandstyleiii)
To give cutting edge insights intooperationsmanagementwitha diverse collection of thirteen case problems depicting meaningfuldecision - making situations.Iamsurethereaderswill find this book interesting and meaningful. Itis mostfortunate for this book and our students’ world over that publications like VEEZ Weekly and many others will publish brief exposés of this book. Indeed,allaugurswell.
Studentsattheundergraduateand postgraduate levels will gain new
-Compiled By: Ivan Saldanha-Shet.
In83kgM-2categoryVincentCarlofromBajjodiwontheGoldMedal inclassic National Bench Press Championship held at Goa (Vasco) total lifted 147.5 kg.
Congratulations to you Vincent Carlo, we are very proud of your achievement!! WithapinchofSalt
House without ‘A Room’
*Hemacharya
During a recent visit to my hometown, I happened to bump into a relative’s house, which once uponatimewasacentreof
celebrations, a household that was an abode of peace and serenity consistingofchildrenofallages.
I still have the vivid memory of the old palatial house, located on a hilltop overlooking a beautiful plantation of coconut and areca trees. A long water stream at the edge of the plantation reminded us ofthequietflowofapassingriver.
But when I visited the place thirtysomething years later, everything looked different. The head of the family was long gone from this world. The plantation had lost its charm and passion. The once
gorgeous green mountain looked too barren beyond recognition and the whole place sadly looked deserted and grey. The surroundings, once decorated with lush green paddy fields, had fallen flat and the sound of the birds and singingcreatureshadfallensilent.
As I opened the giant gate and set in, the grand old lady (our aunt) welcomed us at the entrance and said: “Come on in, I was aware you people have come down on vacation. I was wondering whether you still rememberme at all”.
She was staying all alone except for in the company of her three dogs and a dozen-full animal fraternity. The old house that had seen quite many seasons was being brought down to the ground and a newmost modern house was under construction.
As the workers were busy in their chores she explained - “Everything is in a mess, son. It is sand everywhere as we are demolishing the old house to builda new one”
house, we could sense the huge investment bestowed upon a huge palatial construction. Asfar as I was aware, her sons and their families were settled abroad. One was settled in the US, the other in Canada and the rest of them at differentcitiesaroundtheworld.
“My children wanted to have a new housewithallthemodernamenities sincethishousewasgettingsmaller andmurkier, yousee”explainedthe oldlady.
Thenshetookusaroundtoshowus the grandeur and beauty of the place.Theinteriorofeachroomwas tastefully done up. It looked as if most of the fittings were imported fromabroad.
Then she went on narrating the specialtyofeachroom:
“This room belongs to my eldest son and his family” she said. “He comes down once in six years or so along with his big troupe of eight children.”
Aswetookaroundaroundthe
Then there was the other room being built for her second son who
had five siblings. The next three rooms were reserved for her other sonsintheGulf.
“I don’t have to bother much about the furnishing,” said the lady. “Whenever they come down, they furnish their respective room according to their taste. They also bring in whateveritems needed.”
After a walk around the construction, I realized that all the ten rooms in the house have been earmarked for her sons, including a roomacrosstheterrace.
“This room and the adjoining terrace are for my son, the only priest in our family” she said. “He is theonlyonewhocomesdownonce ayeartospendhisqualitytimewith me”
As we came down the stairs and entered the big hall my curiosity compelledmetoaskher: “But Aunty,where is your room?”
the lady herself were expecting a question of such intensity. I could sense a few sentiments and colors ravishingonherfragileface.Butshe managedtoshowusthereasonwhy a separate room was not required forher.
“Whoneedsaroomtowardsthefag end of one’s life, son?” she said.
“Look at this big hall which was the only room when I was brought into the house as a bride. The hall was quite big enough for my husband and our eight children. We had everything we needed for a decent living here. After my husband went to the Gulf we added two more rooms, but my children always preferred to study and sleep in this bighallorattimesontheadjoining veranda.”
For a while a pin drop silence was feltbyusall.Itappearedasifneither the people accompanying us nor
Then, pointing at the king size teakwoodbedinthecornershesaid –“LookatthisbigDivanwhichmust be 100 years old, perhaps more. In the olden days we used to keep all our belongings under this bed. We never had a cupboard to store our clothes, jewelry, and other possessions. Our whole life was operatedoutofthispieceofwood
called ‘Kolmbi’.
We quickly sensed that the grand old lady was trying to lead us off track.Weaskedher:“Butdidn’tyour children feel the need of a separate room for you?”
“I presume so,” said the old lady. “But I am content with this hall and thank them for not demolishing it. What more does a human being need to lead a normal life? I do not think my children have any other
intention. It was I who personally prevailed upon them not to spend theirmoneyonaseparateroomfor me. After all, the entire house belongs to all of us. I can use any room that I want.”
My son who was a silent spectator to this conversation till then, said: “But grandma, all the rooms are underlockandkey.”
The old lady had tears dropping downhergracefulcheek.
Mangalore Konkans Dubai witness missionaryworkinGulbargadiocese
MediaRelease
Kalaburgi,Oct18:JamesMendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, along with Ronald & Regina Sequeira, Rony & Aboline DCunha and Joyce Menezes visited the Gulbarga diocese on September 27 to witness the committed work of the missionaries and to meet the zealous local community people in Bidar and Gulbarga who aspire to
spread the message of love, hope, andpeace.
During the visit, they attended the blessing and inaugural of the new
Holy Spirit Chapel in Hosalli and participated in a Holy Mass at St Joseph’s Church in Mudhol-
Santpur, both supported by Mangalore Konkans Dubai. The group was guided by Dr Robert Michael Miranda, the bishop of Gulbarga diocese, a great visionary rendering selfless service to this Mission. They toured various mission centers, including Bhalki, Jalasangi, Santhpur, Bidar, Kaudiyal andHamnabad.Itwasimpressiveto see children in some of the boardingschoolsbeingencouraged
to speak in English and trained in
communication skills and provided
with facilities to prepare for civil serviceexams.
AtKristhashraminKaudiyalMission, they saw the centre that has become the powerhouse of Gulbarga Diocese, drawing various people to gain strength through
prayer, inner healing and counseling. The Sathyanubhava Center in Basavakalyan focuses on inter-religious dialogue and unity amongdifferentfaiths.
They also visited the Arogya Mata Seva Kendra in Bhalki, which has been providing healing and education since 1985. Over 1,500 leprosypatientsweretreated,cured and provided rehabilitation and occupation.
rehabilitation for those with mental health challenges, offering support and livestock to help them become independent.
At Mother Teresa Charitable Hospital in Kalaburagi, basic medical care, including cataract surgeries, are provided to marginalizedindividuals.
All these experiences highlighted the extensive work being done in the Gulbarga Diocese. The missionaryworkinitiatedbythelate Bishop Basil D’Souza in 1982 was subsequently continued by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, until June 2005 when Bishop Robert Michael Miranda took over the task and responsibility. The hard work and dedicated efforts of these Bishops andtheirteamofcommittedpriests and the religious to improve socio economic conditions of the marginalized people, imparting them good education irrespective of caste, creed or religion is truly commendable.
ORBIT in Humnabad works on women’s development and
Despite limited resources, the Gulbarga Diocese devoutly continues to uplift the lives of people in these regions. Every
Christian is called to be a Missionary. It would be great for retirees with a passion for social service to consider serving in these Missionary centers and those who wishtobepartnersinthisGulbarga Mission are most welcome to extendtheirpossiblesupport.
AboutMangaloreKonkansDubai
Established in 1988 with the basic objective of promoting Konkani language and culture among the MangalureandiasporaintheUAE.It also intended to extend financial support to the Mangalurean community in Dubai and in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.Withoutdilutingtheoriginal objectives,evenwiththepassageof time, the organization pursued / followed its goal solemnly to emerge as a major force to reckon withintheUAE. Overtheyears,with an array of activities aimed at the
general welfare of Mangalureans, Mangalore Konkans Dubai has played an essential role in keeping the pennant of Konkani language and Mangalurean culture flying high in the desert land. Credit goes to Mangalore Konkans Dubai for being the first association of MangaloreansintheUAEin1988,at the time when the community was scatteredwithoutaproperplatform to feel the share and the flavour of Mangalurean culture. Instrumental in organizing first Konkani Way of the Cross, followed by the first nativity feast for children with showering of flowers at the grotto, firstKonkanichoirmadeitsdebutat St Mary’s Church, Dubai. It was due to the indefatigable efforts of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, for the first time,a Konkani speakingpriest wasdeputedtoDubaiandwiththat, permanent Konkani Mass was also started.
Hemacharya, Harry Fernandes among Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award
winners for 2023
Daijiworld Media NetworkMangaluru(MS)
Mangaluru,Oct15: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy recognizes senior individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Konkani literature, art, and folklore, bestowing honorary awards and book awards in categories such as poetry, short stories,novels,andtranslations.
Hemacharya, Harry Fernandes, Macha Milar & Ashok Damu.
For the year 2023, Marcel M D’Souza, Harry Fernandes, Ashok
FrRoysonFernandes&Mary SalomiD’Souza
StephenMascarenhas (Hemacharya)
Damu Kasarakod, Mary Salomi D’Souza, Fr Royson Fernandes and
Stephen Mascarenhas (Hemacharya) have been selected forthehonoraryandbookawards..
Konkani Literature: Marcel M Damu Kasarakod, Mary Salomi D’Souza, Mangaluru. He has made significant contributions to Konkani through stories, poetry, and comedy, and served as the president of the Konkani Writers’ ForumKarnataka-Mangaluru.
Konkani Art: Harry Fernandes, Mumbai. He has contributed to cinema by writing stories and directing films in Konkani, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Punjabi, and Marathi. His Konkani film 'Sophiya' won the Karnataka State Award in the regionalsection.
Konkani Folklore: Ashok Damu, Kasarakod.Forthepast25years,he has worked to preserve Kharvi folklore songs during Holi and has contributed to Konkani folk dramas andculture.In2009,hefoundedthe Mathrachaya organization to organizeeducationalfolkprograms.
Konkani Poetry: Atvo Sur – Poet: Mary Salomi D’Souza, Bantwal. She began contributing cartoons to Balamangala at the age of 11 and later moved on to Divo and
Raaknno. Her poems are published onKavita.comandPaynari.com.
Konkani Short Story: Poyli Bhet –Writer: Fr Royson Fernandes, Hirgan. He has served as editor of theUjwaadfortnightlyforfouryears and is the director of public relations for the Udupi diocese. His filmsPassportandChristakiranaare widelypopular.
KonkaniTranslation: EkloEksuro –Writer: Stephen Mascarenhas (Hemacharya), Mangaluru. The book Eklo Eksuro is published by Daiji Prakashan. He is a founding member of the Daiji Dubai Konkani Writers’ Association. He heads the Ian Cares Foundation, which rehabilitatesdrugaddicts. The honorary award includes Rs 50,000 in cash, a certificate, shawl, garland, headdress, memento, fruits, and flowers. The book award includes Rs 25,000 in cash, a certificate, shawl, garland, headdress, memento, fruits, and flowers.
Theawardceremonywillbeheldon November 10, 2024, at Shanbagh Residency, Kasarakod, Honnavar. Theawardswillbepresentedbythe minister for fisheries, ports, and inland transport, and Uttara
Kannadadistrictin-charge,Mankala S Vaidya. Other dignitaries, including Karwar MLA Sathish Sail, Kumta-Honnavar MLA Dinakara Shetty, Kasarakod panchayat president Mankali Prakash Harijan,
Dancy
MLC Ivan D’Souza, and other prominentpersonalities,willalsobe present. An interactive session with the awardees and various entertainment programmes will followtheceremony.
D’Souza:ABeaconofStrength andLeadershipatthe2024 Pennsylvania Rural HumanTraffickingSummit
StateCollege, PA – October 1, 2024
– Dancy D’Souza, Co-Founder of Eyes Open International and an inspirational Survivor Leader, took center stage at the 2024 Pennsylvania Rural Human TraffickingSummitheldatthePenn StateConferenceCenter.Thisevent, aimed at addressing the complexitiesofhumantraffickingin rural areas, brought together community-based partners and experts with lived experiences to discuss effective strategies to support survivors of human trafficking.
A Platform for Survivors: The Surthriver Panel As one of the summit’s key speakers, Dancy
D’Souza was invited to participate onthe“Surthriver”panel,whereshe shared her powerful story of resilience and survival. The panel wasmoderatedbyLaurenPurnell,a Trafficking Program Specialist with the Office on Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of Health andHumanServicesinWashington, D.C. Purnell, an expert in human trafficking prevention and survivor advocacy, led a thought-provoking discussion,encouragingpaneliststo
delve into their lived experiences and offer insights on how to best support those who have endured trafficking.
survivor leadership in combating humantrafficking.
Collaboration and Support: The FocusoftheSummit
The “Surthriver” panel provided a platform for survivors like Dancy to share their journeys, not just as victims,butasindividualswho have emerged stronger and more empowered. Dancy’s participation was both inspiring and educational, as she drew from her personal experiencesandherroleasaleader and advocate within the antitrafficking movement. Her words resonateddeeplywiththeaudience, showcasing the vital importance of
The2024PennsylvaniaRuralHuman Trafficking Summit focused on fostering collaboration between community-based organizations and individuals with firsthand experience in human trafficking. Thiscollectiveeffortaimedtocreate a network of support for victims, ensuring they receive the resources and care they need to rebuild their lives. With a particular emphasis on theuniquechallengesfacedinrural areas, the summit explored strategies for improving rescue
operations, rehabilitation efforts, and resource allocation for traffickingsurvivors.
Experts from various agencies involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficking survivors shared their perspectives, discussing best practices and collaborative initiatives. The dialogue reinforced the importance of cross-agency cooperation and community involvement, highlighting that it takes a united effort to effectively combat the complexities of human trafficking, especially in rural settings where resources can be limited.
Dancy D’Souza: A Global Advocate forChange
Dancy D’Souza’s work as the CoFounder of Eyes Open International is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fighting human traffickingandsupportingsurvivors.
Alongside her husband, Harold D’Souza, a world-renowned human rights activist, Dancy has dedicated her life to empowering those affected by trafficking and advocating for systemic change. EyesOpenInternational,undertheir leadership, has become a global force in raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering resilience among trafficking survivors.
Dancy’s presence at the summit underscored the critical role of survivorleadersinshapingtheantitrafficking movement. Her ability to connect with fellow survivors and offer practical, compassionate guidanceservesasasourceofhope and strength to many. Through her advocacy, Dancy reminds the world that, with the right support, survivors can transform their pain intopurposeandbecomeleadersin thefightagainsttrafficking.
National Day of Intercession Organized by the Diocese of Shimoga
Shivamogga, October 3, 2024: In accordance with the guidelines set forth by Charis National Service of Communion (CNSC), Charis Diocesan Service of Communion (CDSC)oftheDioceseofShimoga
successfullyorganizedtheNational DayofIntercessiononWednesday, October2,2024.Theeventwasheld at St. Joseph's Church, Sagara, Shivamogga,from2:30p.m.to6:30 p.m.
CDSC members, including Mr Davidraj, Mr. Francis D'Mello, Mr. John Lobo, Mr. Francis Lopis, Ms. Elvira Fernandes, and Ms. Mary Louis, played a pivotal role in leading the Intercession, under the
spiritual guidance of Fr. Franklin D'Souza,theSpiritualDirectorofthe CDSC. Additionally, prayer group members from St. Joseph's Church, Sagara, provided valuable assistanceduringtheIntercession.
TheBlessedSacramentwasexposed from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Intercessions for the country, church, youth, Charis, and pro-life werespeciallyprayedfor.
expressing his gratitude, welcomed the members and acknowledged their efforts in effectively conducting the National Day of Intercessionwithinhisparish.
A substantial number of devoted individualsgatheredtoofferprayers forthewell-beingofthenation.The Intercession focused on the theme "My Grace is sufficient for you." (2 Cor12:9).
MonsignorFelixJosephNoronha,
TheIntercessionconcludedwiththe Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. Fr. Franklin D'Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist together with Monsignor Felix Joseph Noronha andFr.VinuthBaluKumar,Assistant
ParishPriestofSt.Joseph'sChurch, Sagara.
Pope Francis did not mind his health and size; he is just in economy classof airplane. NoCatholicpriest,bishop,or Pope has any private Jet. Anyway, we must continue to teach the world by example. A true Catholic is not prideful, miracle seeker, self-acclaimed messiah, but we look unto Christ as our model. God bless all people of true faith and love.
OASIS 2024: A Two-Day Charismatic Convention Draws Thousands at Infant
JesusShrine,Mangaluru
Mangaluru, October 12, 2024 – The OASIS 2024, a two-day charismatic convention,wassuccessfullyheldat the Infant Jesus Shrine in Carmel Hill, Mangaluru, from October 1112, 2024. Many faithful gathered at the event, reaffirming the Shrine’s
Jesus Christ. Rev. Fr. Gregory
graceofGodflowsintotheheartsof believers.
Br.PrakashD'Souza,hisDivine MercyYouthTeamfromBandraand Rev Fr Siltan Noronha led the congregation in praise and worship with hymns and action songs, helping participants lift their hearts to God. The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament held at 3:00 PM on both the days drew an impressive online audience of 45,000,joininginfromvariousparts oftheworld. Onthefirstday,October11,Rev.Fr. Rudolph Pinto, OCD the newly
appointed CCBI Secretary for Liturgy Commission, inauguratedCarmel Preran , the Bible diary for the year 2025 in Konkani. He then delivered a powerful reflection on the themeFrom Sin to Salvation: The Paschal Mystery and Rebirth in Baptism . Later, Rev. Fr. John Sequeira, OCD, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and delivered a homily onFromRitualtoRelationship:The Eucharist that Shapes Our RelationshipsandChoices . In the afternoon, Fr. Boniface Pinto spoke onFrom Fear to Fortitude: The SacramentofConfirmationandthe GiftsandFruitsoftheHolySpirit , offeringameaningfulexplorationof the sacrament’s impact on Christian life.
The second day, October 12, began withRev. Fr. Canute Barboza,Parish Priest of Miyar, speaking on the themeFrom Wounds to Wellness: TheSacramentsofHealingandOur JourneyTowardsWholeness . Rev. Fr. Denis D'Sa, Parish Priest of Thottam, presided over the Eucharistic celebration and preached onFromSorrowtoSong: TheTransformativePowerofHope
intheFaceofDespair,Depression, andSuicide . In the afternoon, Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo from Udupi delivered an inspiring talk onFrom Self to Service: The Sacraments of MatrimonyandHolyOrders , as the conventionended. Eachday,8,000faithfulattendedthe convention in person, with meals servedtoall.
Rev. Fr. Stifan Perera, OCD, Director of the Shrine, expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the success of OASIS 2024, acknowledgingtheirdedicationand
support in making the event a spiritualtriumph.
Withloveandblessings, FrStifanAlvinPerera,OCD InfantJesusShrine CarmelHill, MANGALURU-575005
Tel : 9844503706
Email : stephenocd@gmail.com
"TakeGodforyourfriendand walkwithhim-andyouwill learntolove."
-St.JohnoftheCross
Catechism Children’s camp
On Sunday October 13th the ICYM Bajjodi organised one day
Catechism Children’s camp from 9 am to 4.30 pm in our parish hall. Icebreakers, action songs, games, talk, Holy Mass,Quiz, Debate,
Treasurehuntweresomeofthevery attractive special features of the camp. They were served with a sumptuous breakfast and delicious meal. Finally, all the Children were giventheprizes.FrPranam
Fernandes gave an inspiring talk on personalitydevelopment. Around100childrenparticipatedin
the camp. In the feedback the children expressed that the camp was very good with a lot of information and leadership skills. They had a great opportunity to exhibit their talents, mix with other parish children and develop their debating skills. All the Children profitedalot.
The ICYM members of Bajjodi unit organised this wonderful camp. Their meticulous organisation and superb responsibility is really praise worthy.
May moreandmoreprogramsflow from ICYM that the Children, youth and parishioners may benefit from them.
Four Alumni of St Agnes College
(Autonomous) become ACCA Affiliates
St. Agnes College (Autonomous) celebrates the remarkable achievements of their alumni, Ms Lenisha Hezil Menezes, Ms Anjali, Ms Sahana G and Ms Swathi Rai for successfully clearing all ACCA papers and becoming an ACCA Affiliates.
Ms Lenisha, daughter of Mr Herold Menezes and Mrs Laetitia Dsouza is gaining valuable hands-on experience through an internship under CA Rajan Dsouza of Mangalore and has completed her BCom integrated with ACCA in 2023.
Ms Anjali, daughter of Mr Ganesh Poojary and Mrs Geetha works as a Junior Tax Associate at SN ProfessionalServicesPrivateLimited and has completed her BCom integrated withACCAin2022.
Ms Swathi Rai, daughter of the Late Krapakar Rai and Mrs Sumathi Rai hascompletedherBComintegrated with ACCAin2019.
Ms Sahana G, daughter of the Late G D Suresh and Mrs Nirmala is presently working as an Audit SenioratKPMGGlobalServicesand hascompletedherBComintegrated with ACCAin2019.
St Agnes College is proud to
recognise the hard work and dedication of our students who have passed the ACCA exams. Sherlita Monteiro, Sheryl Sequeira (Advanced Audit and Assurance), N Kirandevi Menda, Osmine Buthello, KrupaEstherSalins,KhushiSShetty, Varsha Suvarna, Esha Martha Dsilva (Audit and Assurance), Sanjana Bajal, Alima Hanaan, Nidhi M S, Fathima Nashwa (Financial Management), Shazia Mariyam, Gopika K, Lakshmi A, Preemal Monis, Suhana Shetty (Financial Reporting), Sandria D Souza (Strategic Business Leader), Carol Pauline Misquith, Alisha Ruth Saldanha (Strategic Business Reporting) cleared their ACCA papers inthe September2024. ACCA is the world-leading qualification which would equip students with the most up-to-date skills in accountancyand finance, to ensure a career in any direction and becomethesuccessful,sought-after finance professional the world needs. St Agnes College is the first college in Mangaluru to begin BCom with an ACCA-integrated batch in 2016. Since then, the
college has had 21 ACCA affiliates, with Ms Lenisha, Ms Anjali, Ms
Sahana G and Ms Swathi Rai being the latestadditions to the list.
St Aloysius University inaugurates the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation
The Extension Services of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) inauguratedoftheCentreforPeace and Reconciliation on October 9, 2024, in a ceremony that gathered distinguished guests, Staff Coordinators Ms Jennifer Mascarenhas,MsPreemaTauro,Ms
Archana, Mr Mohmmed Thauseef and 70 student volunteers. The event focused on promoting the ideals of peace, collaboration, and reconciliation, crucial elements for fostering harmonious communities in a world increasingly marked by conflictanddivision.
The event began with a reflective prayer, setting a spiritual tone that emphasizedpeaceasnotmerelythe absence of conflict but as an active approach to resolving disputes and promoting unity. The quote from Mahatma Gandhi, "An eye for an eyeonlyends up makingthe whole world blind," resonated with the gathering, symbolizing the purpose oftheCentreinnurturingpeaceand reconciliation.
Theeventwasgracedbyprominent dignitaries, with Dr Binoy Jacob Pichalakkattu, SJ, Director of LIPI, Kochi,asthechiefguest.TheRector
of St Aloysius Institutions, Rev. Fr. Melwyn Joseph Pinto, SJ, presided over the event, while Mr Roshan Melwyn Lobo, Secretary-General of International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), was the guest of honour. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), delivered a compelling keynote speech.
Dr Binoy Jacob Pichalakkattu, in his address, highlighted the urgent needforpeaceandreconciliationin today's world. He spoke about institutionslikeXLRIJamshedpur,St
Joseph University Bangalore, and St Xavier's University Kolkata, which have already taken steps in this direction. He outlined different forms of violence direct, structural, and cultural and proposed various activities for promoting peace, such as peace
exhibitions, peace picnics, studies on constitutions and democracy, interfaith prayers, social media campaigns, and peace awards. His message was both inspiring and practical, encouraging the audience to work towards peace in everyday life.
Dr. Praveen Martis, in his keynote address, emphasized the role educationalinstitutionsmustplayin fostering a culture of peace. He stressed that beyond academic instruction, universities must cultivate empathy, dialogue, and understanding among students, essential components for societal reconciliation. Hisremarksreflected the university's commitment to creating spaces for peace and dialogue, not only locally but also globally.
The symbolic inauguration of the Centre brought all the dignitaries togetherfortheopening,markinga
new chapter for the University, dedicated to advancing peace studies and reconciliation efforts. This act was a powerful symbol of hope, one that conveyed the university's dedication to promotingpeacethroughacademic andcommunity-basedinitiatives.
Mr Roshan Melwyn Lobo's address focusedonthecritical roleof youth in shaping a peaceful future. He urged the younger generation to take the lead in advocating for justice and peace, reminding them that their actions can be a powerful force in bridging divides and dismantlingprejudices.Hismessage was particularly resonant with the studentspresent,encouragingthem tobecomeagentsofchange.
Rev. Fr. Melwyn Joseph Pinto, in his presidential address, emphasized
Catholic
Association of
that peace requires continuous effort and active engagement. He underlined the importance of commitment in the peace-building process, a sentiment that echoed throughouttheevent.
The ceremony concluded with a voteofthanksandalivelyquestionand-answersession,wherestudents actively participated, posing thought-provokingquestionstothe dignitaries.Theanswers,particularly those from Dr Binoy Jacob Pichalakkattu, SJ, who stated that "peace beginsfrom our hearts," left theaudiencesatisfiedandinspired.
The event concluded with the inauguration standing as a hopeful reminder of the transformative power of peace, dialogue, and collaborationinsociety.
South
Kanara (CASK) launched its inaugural program, "Reinventing
Yourself: Through Paradigm Shifts in Thinking,"
On October 15, 2024, the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) launched its inaugural program, "Reinventing Yourself: Through ParadigmShiftsinThinking,"aspart of the 'IgniteU' project, in
collaboration with the Center for Professional Excellence and the DepartmentofEnglishattheSchool of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Ronald Gomes, President of CASK, alongwithVicePresidentandCASK Program Director Ms. Marjorie Texeira and Assistant Professor Vineetha Pereira, Director of the Center for Professional Excellence and Head of the Department of English.Notableattendeesincluded Dr. Sandra Lobo, Dean of Humanities, and AssistantProfessor Rancy D'Souza from the School of SocialWork.
Professor Gerard D'Souza from St. Agnes College delivered an engagingpresentation,highlighting the importance of ethical selftransformation through personal anecdotes. He introduced practical coping mechanisms such as the 910Principle,the 10FingerPrinciple, and the Window Technique. Additionally, he discussed internal "Viruses”negative traits that hinder personal growth—and shared strategies to overcome them. Insights on interview techniques andthedevelopmentofsoftskillsto enhance employability were also provided. The session, enriched by creative activities and discussions, inspired attendees to embrace personal and professional reinvention.
The event was compeered by Ms. MahedSadiaf,anIIIBAstudent.
CODP’s Educare Endowment Fund
empowers students with over Rs 16 crore
Educare Endowment Fund disbursement programme took place at CODP on Thursday, October 17. For over 11 years, Educarehasbeenalifelinefor3,272 needy students across the Mangalore and Udupi dioceses.
This year’s disbursement was remarkable, with the first installmentofRs74,42,000awarded to 84 students on September 16, followed by a substantial second installment of Rs 86,60,000 to 103 students on October 17.
Michael D'Souza and his family,
alongside EducareFund Committee members Evelin Benis, Richard Alvares, and John D'Souza, were honoured for their pivotal roles in this initiative.
Chief guest Michael D'Souza recognised the contributions of panelists Robert D'Souza, Oswald Rodrigues, Dora Rodrigues, and Evelin Benis. Additionally, staff member Reena D Costa received accolades from Flavia D'Souza for her unwavering commitment to the programme.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha lauded the D'Souzas for their generous support, facilitated by the Bishop himself. He highlighted the importance of the Educare loan programme, stating, “This initiative provides crucial interest-free loans to deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to
achieve their academic dreams.”
Housing, healthcare, and education are fundamental human needs, yet many people in society remain deprived of these essentials. Access to quality education and advanced skills is crucial for securing good jobs and career advancement. In this context, the Educare initiative was launched under CODP in 2013. Although over 3,000 students have benefitedfromtheprogramme,this is the first opportunity to meet the students directly.
Michael D'Souza, a non-resident entrepreneur and advocate for Educare, shared his message with the students: “Wherever life takes you,neverforgetyourparents,your mothertongue,andyourhomeland. Whenyouachievesuccess,cultivate the ability to help others in need that is the greatest gratitude you can offer.”
Heemphasisedthatthelessonsand blessings from our mothers are invaluable,stating,“Recognisingthe struggles of others and responding with empathy is the mark of a true
human being.”
MichaelD'Souzaembodiesthistrait, having learned it from his mother. His commitment to addressing societal needs especially in education, housing, and healthcare serves as a tremendous inspiration.
BishopPeterPaulSaldanha,headof the Diocese of Mangalore, also praised the initiative, highlighting its significant impact on the community.
Launched in 2013, the Educare programmeoperatesonarevolving loan fund model, ensuring that fundslentmust be repaid within 18 months post-graduation. Timely repayments are essential to sustain thisvitalinitiativeandenablefuture students to benefit. Theeventcommencedwitha warm welcome from CODP secretary Vincent D'Souza, and was expertly compeered by Fr Lawrence Cuntinha, assistant director of CODP, making the occasion both informativeandinspiring.
(Deemed to be University) in association with Entrepreneurship and Consultancy Cell organised "World Food Day Forum - 2024: RighttoFoodforaBetterLifeanda Better Future" on 16th October 2024.
The event began with an inaugural session seeking blessings a prayer and a welcome dance. Distinguished guests on the dais included Chief Guest, Dr. Vinayak Pujar, Project Head of the Jackfruit ProcessingUnitatTheSuphala
Farmers' Producer Company Ltd.
Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, ViceChancellor of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Dr Melwyn D’Cunha SJ, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University; Dr. Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar of the College; Dr. Ronald Nazareth, Registrar of the University;Dr.DaniellaAnneChyne, Head of the Department of Food Science; The Convenor of the programme, Dr Adarsha Gowda, Chair, Entrepreneurship and Consultancy Cell, and Dr. Faby Luckose, Convenor of the programme.
Dr. Daniella Anne Chyne welcomed the gathering, and Ms. Delma introduced the Chief Guest. Dr. Vinayak Pujar officially inaugurated the forum and delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of food and discussing Article21oftheIndianConstitution, whichenshrinestherighttofood.
Ms Claret DSouza, Assistant Professor of Food Science addressed the gathering, providing valuable insights into the significance of the alumni association and reflecting on her journey from a student to a faculty
memberintheDepartmentofFood Science. As part of the event, ALFAB, the official Food Science Department Alumni Group, was formally inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
Rev Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidentialspeech,highlightedthe importance of celebrating World Food Day and underscored the need for accessible and sustainable food systems. He applauded the organizers for selecting a theme that addresses these critical issues.
He also emphasized that, while thereisenoughfood,itoftenfailsto reach those in need, and he expressed concern about the growing trend of unhealthy junk food consumption among the youth.
Dr. Adarsha Gowda concluded the inaugural session with a vote of thanks.
The forum featured four technical sessions.Dr.VinayakPujarspokeon "Empowering Food Security through Innovations," Mr. Aakash Natekar,ManagingPartneratPradvi and Co., Siang Commodities, discussed "Farm to Market: Cashew Entrepreneurship as a Path to Food Security and Better Livelihoods," and Dr. Iddya Karunasagar, Advisor (Research and Patent) at Nitte (Deemed to be University), delivered a talk on "One Health for BetterFood,BetterLife,andaBetter Future."
In the Alumni Voices segment, proudalumniofthedepartment,Dr. Ishani Bhat and ICMR PhD Scholar, alongwithMs.Akshatha,Lecturerat SCSFirstGradeCollege,sharedtheir personal insights and professional journeys.
The event also featured a panel
discussionon"PavingtheWayfora Sustainable Food Future: Balancing Nutrition, Technology, and Accessibility," moderated by Dr. Indrani Karunasagar, Director (Projects & DST-TEC) at Nitte (Deemed to be University). The panel included Dr Cletus D’Souza, AdjunctProfessorofBiochemistryat St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Dr Iddya Karunasagar; Mr Aakash Natekar; Dr Vinayak Pujar; and Ms Nayana Prasad, a student of MSc Food Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). Experts delved into the future of food systems, the role of advanced food technologies, and the ethical considerationsoffeedingagrowing globalpopulation.
The forum concluded with a valedictory ceremony, where Dr. Indrani Karunasagar served as the Chief Guest and Dr. Iddya Karunasagar was the Guest of Honour. During the ceremony,
winnersofthecompetitionsheldby the Food Science department, including a poster competition for school students aged 5 to 19 from St Aloysius Schools, and the national-level FoodWiz quiz competition, for the public were recognized and felicitated. Special thanks were extended to the enthusiastic participation of students led by Mr Maven Louis, studentcoordinator.
The Organizing committee was led by the Convernors, Dr. Adarsh Gowda and Dr Feby Luckose, Co convenor Dr S N Raghavendra, Ms Delma D’Cunha the organizing secretary, Mr Maven Louis, and Ms Sneha Titus, the student coordinatorsandtheDepartmentof FoodScienceteam.TheWorldFood DayForum2024hassetasignificant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the community, aimed at creating a sustainable and secure food future forall.
Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh Visits
Pavoor-Uliya, Assures Suppor
October 14, 2024
Mangaluru: Members of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R.) visited Pavoor-Uliya, a region affected by illegal sand mining, to personally investigate the situation and show their solidarity. They assured the local residents, stating, “Weareallwithyou,”whichboosted the confidence of the people in the area. This support came at a crucial timewhenitwasmuchneeded.
The residents of Pavoor-Uliya thoroughly explained their problems to the Sabha members.
Father Manohar D’Souza, the parish priest, welcomed everyone to the gathering. Central Vice President StevenRodriguespresidedoverthe meeting, while Paul Rolpi D’Costa, former President of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R.), discussed potentialnextsteps.
Stany Lobo, the immediate past president,shareddetailsofthework that had been done so far. Joint Secretary Lavina D’Souza offered a vote of thanks. Also present were advocatesBenedict,WilfredAlvares,
Dolpi D’Souza, Santosh D’Souza, Wilma Monteiro, Arun D’Souza, Gilbert D’Souza,Stanly Bantwal, Lawrence Dsouza and several local residents.
