Kuwait: Udupi Diocese Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo visits KBWA

Kuwait: Udupi Diocese Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo visits KBWA

Mangalore Today News Network

Kuwait, Apr 25:, 2014: Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese is on visit to Kuwait to attend the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) as Chief Guest. During his short visit, Bishop expressed his desire to meet various associations of Udupi Diocese and as a part of that initiative Bishop visited the Executive Committee, members and their families of Kuwait Brahmavar Welfare Association (KBWA) on 23rd of April at Salmiya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The programme started at 8.00 p.m. by invoking God’s blessings and thanking Almighty for all the blessings showered upon us and especially the rare opportunity to meet the Bishop and to interact with him personally. The prayer service was led by Mr. L.J. D’Souza.

President of the Association, Mrs. Gretta D’Souza extended a warm welcome to Most. Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo and expressed gratitude for having taken the time to visit us in spite of their busy schedule. She also lovingly welcomed our native priest Rev. Fr. Noel D’Almeida, presently Asst. Parish Priest, St. Daniel Comboni Church, Abbasiya and the dignitaries were presented with floral bouquets. President welcomed all the members of the association and their family members for having attended the meeting in large numbers.


KBWA Treasurer Mr. Thomas D’Souza gave brief introduction about the background and journey of Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo highlighting various achievements as Parish Priest and Bishop of Shimoga and Udupi Diocese. Mr. D’Souza also presented a brief report of the organization and various activities undertaken during the last five years of its existence in Kuwait.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his key note address shared his experiences as a Priest and Bishop over the years. Bishop explained in great detail the work undertaken by him and his dedicated team in Udupi Diocese from the inception and also spelled out the vision and mission of the Diocese. He shared his dreams and aspirations about the New Diocese, the short term and long term plans, the blue print in executing the plans etc. Dr. Gerald Lobo stressed that his main priority is people of the Diocese, the children and youths. He expressed his desire to provide the children with good education and make them responsible citizens of the nation. He explained the various initiatives taken for our youths to prepare them in representing in every walk of life by holding responsible position in Government Department, Armed Forces and even in Politics. Bishop informed that in a short span of time he has visited each and every Parish of the Diocese and many of them more than once and also conducted various surveys and having all the information about the congregation.

Dr. Gerald Lobo appreciated the activities and initiatives undertaken by KBWA and called the members to encourage their children to aim for higher studies and to provide their services in their native places. Bishop asked only one favour from the gathering as to pray for him by daily reciting one Hail Mary for the intentions of the Diocese for which all the members promised wholehearted support. President Mrs. Gretta D’Souza presented a small memento as a token of our love and appreciation.

Mr. L. J. D’Souza proposed vote of thanks by thanking the dignitaries and all the members of the association. He also expressed gratitude to the KCWA Executive Committee for facilitating the meeting and giving us an opportunity to meet the Bishop.
The sumptuous dinner was prepared by the members with the Mangalorean traditional delicacies.

Rev. Fr. Noel D’Almeida recited the grace before meal. All the people enjoyed the delicious food and thanked the Bishop for a wonderful and memorable evening which will be be remembered & treasured for a long time.