Mangalore : Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva inaugurates CASK Centenary fete

Mangalore : Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva inaugurates CASK Centenary fete

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sep 23, 2013 : Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva launched the  centenary celebrations of The Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK),  at a colourful ceremony held at the Milagres Hall on September 22, Sunday. CASK is the oldest Catholic lay organization in south India.

 

 

In her address, Margaret Alva   hailed the contribution of Catholics  to diverse fields ranging from health care to education. She also gave a clarion call to protect and promote the art, culture and  traditions of the Catholic community and emphasized the need to document them. There is also a need for research in the field, she observed.

Union Minister for Transport, Road and Highways Oscar Fernandes who was present as a chief guest, stressed the need to build a strong society on the foundation of  peace and harmony.

Mangalore south MLA JR Lobo said  there is a growing need to create a platform where the members can come together, discuss their problems and find solutions to the same.  He also hailed the contributions of CASK to the community.

Mangalore Bishop Rev. Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza blessed the occasion. Vivek Aranha, Chairman of Rosary Group, Pune, was also present as a chief guest. Dr. Derek Lobo, CASK President, Capt. John Prasad Menezes, Secretary and others were present.

The ceremony also marked the release of a 400 page book ’100 Year History of CASK and the Mangalorean Catholic Community’ authored by John Monteiro. Margaret Alva released the book while Oscar Fernandes launched the CASK website. Bishop Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza unveiled the plaque of the centenary memorial office.
Scholarships amounting to Rs 2000 each were distributed to 100 children 25 schools in DK and Udupi districts on the occasion.

The formal function was followed by a  cultural programme.