The ‘Officers of Court’ Form 1st of its Kind ‘Konkani Catholic Advocates’ Guild’ in Kodiyal aka kudla/Mangalapuram/Mangaluru Inaugurated by Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha
Mangaluru: It should be noted that during the 2008 Church attacks by saffron activists, the local Catholic Advocates stood up and fought for justice and brought the situation under control and made an immense difference, if not the situation would have prolonged and turned ugly. Thanks to these bunch of Konkani Catholic advocates for their service during the tension which prevailed during that time. So they decided that it would be nice if a guild was formed so that in future any issues which hurt the sentiments of the Catholic community could be dealt with amicably through this guild.
And even if it took so long to form this Guild, as they say “Better Late Than Never”, finally for the FIRST the ‘KONKANI CATHOLIC ADVOCATES GUILD” took Birth for the betterment of the Catholic community. The Konkani Catholic Advocates Guild was officially inaugurated on 21 October 2023 at St Antony’s Ashram, Jeppu. The inauguration commenced with the First Red Mass imploring the blessings and graces of the Holy Spirit on all the advocates and law students. The Mass was officiated by the Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha and consecrated by Fr J B Crasta-Director, St Anthony Charitable Institutions/St Anthony Ashram, Fr Vinod, Fr Paul D’’Souza and Fr Rayan Pinto, all clergy plus advocates. The Red Mass served as a spirituality uplifting moment, instilling a sense of purpose in those present to work for justice and peace and contribute to creating a new world order.
The inauguration of the newly formed guild was held soon after the mass. Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, member of, Karnataka Public Service Commission was the chief guest of the inaugural. He spoke of the importance of such a guild in order to represent the needs of the lost, the least and the last of the society and to work for justice that is affordable to all and create legal awareness in a language understandable to all people. Bishop Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldana, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese encouraged the members of the guild to restore and resolve the issues related to the family amicably and to represent the church in its necessity and need. Bishop further said, ” An advocate is always needed and your job is part of Jesus. The need of an advocate representing the law is essential, and by forming this Guild you need to take it forward with focus and strive to make a difference in the society”.
The office bearers and the council members of the newly formed guild took the oath under the guidance of the Bishop, so as to work for the guild and to bring justice to the people. Fr J B Crasta the spiritual director of the guild spoke of the way St Thomas More, the patron saint of advocates gave his life for truth Sir Thomas More, venerated in the Catholic Church as Saint Thomas More was an English lawyer, judge, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. He also served Henry VIII as Lord High Chancellor of England from October 1529 to May 1532. He wrote Utopia, published in 1516, which describes the political system of an imaginary island state.
More opposed the Protestant Reformation, directing polemics against the theology of Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli and William Tyndale. More also opposed Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church, refusing to acknowledge Henry as supreme head of the Church of England and the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
After refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy, he was convicted of treason on what he claimed was false evidence, and executed. On his execution, he was reported to have said: “I die the King’s good servant, and God’s first”. Pope Pius XI canonised More in 1935 as a martyr. Pope John Paul II in 2000 declared him the patron Saint of statesmen and politicians. On the occasion, following in the footsteps of St Thomas More, the dignitaries on the dais showred flower petals on his portrait as a mark of respect.
The programme was well organized under the able leadership of the president of the Guild Advocate Santhosh Peter D’Souza, Vice President Aloysius Lobo, Secretary Sr Rency D’Silva, Joint Secretary Reshma Priya and treasurer Roshan D’Souza and all the council members. The planning committee and the programme committee played pivotal roles in systematically organizing the entire event.
The choir consisting of Sr Kala Nicholas, UFS; Sr Rency D’silva, SRA; Sr Lynet D’souza, SCCG; Ms Sylvia D’silva, Ronald Monis and Ajay Noronha- all of them Advocates rendered soothing hymns during the Mass and prayer during the formal function- and interestingly they are all Advocates. Can you believe Nuns taking up the profession as advocates, and representing their clients in Court, to bring justice as per the Law- truly commendable serving society even though being in a religious Congregation? Kudos Sisters! The programme was meticulously and eloquently compared by Advocate Ms Lolina. This unique programme brought together all in a spirit of community and union.
TEAM MANGALOREAN WISHES ‘KONKANI CATHOLIC ADVOCATES GUILD” ALL SUCCESS IN THEIR ENDEAVOURS and FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT CAUSE and JUSTICE in the INTEREST OF CATHOLIC COMMUNITY in the ROME OF THE EAST- MANGALURU!