Konkani Catholic Lawyers Guild Installation Ceremony – A Celebration of Justice and Integrity

The installation ceremony of the Konkani Catholic Lawyers Guild was a landmark occasion, combining solemn ritual with vibrant celebration and highlighting the Guild’s commitment to integrity and justice in the legal profession.

Red Mass at Saint Antony’s Ashram Chapel :

The day began at 10:30 am with the Red Mass at Saint Antony’s Ashram Chapel, Jeppu. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, along with nine Priest concelebrants. In his homily, the Bishop invoked the Holy Spirit upon the lawyers, praying that they may be blessed with wisdom like Solomon. He urged advocates to “stand for truth — for where there is truth there is love; where there is love there is truth,” thereby setting the spiritual tone for the day’s theme of integrity and service.

Installation Ceremony at Sambhram Hall :

Following the Mass the installation ceremony took place at Sambhram Hall, Saint Antony’s Ashram. The Bishop administered the oath of office to the newly elected Executive Committee and Council members for the 2025–2027 term.

President: Sushanth C.A. Saldanha

Vice Presidents: Aloysius S. Lobo and Richard Costa M.

Treasurer: Rakesh Mascarenhas

Secretary: Lolina Dsouza

Joint Secretary:  Zita Priya Moras

Cultural Secretary:  Reshma Priya Dsouza

Liturgical Secretary: Sr Lynet Priya Dsouza

Other council members also assumed office with a commitment to serve the Guild and the wider community.

Honouring Patron and Felicitations :

The Guild’s patron saint, Saint Thomas More — renowned as a model of professional integrity — was honoured during the ceremony. Notable achievers were also felicitated:

Remona Evette Pereira – Golden Book of Records holder in Bharatanatyam, Richard Costa M. – President of Dakshina Kannada and Bantwal Bar Associations
M.P. Noronha – Principal Government Pleader, Past President – Santhosh Peter Dsouza was specially thanked for his dedicated service, while the newly elected President was encouraged to lead with vision and integrity.

Community Participation and Guest :

The event witnessed the participation of around 150 people, including heads of institutions, association leaders and community representatives. Special guests included Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta – Spiritual Animator of the Guild; Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto SJ – Rector of Saint Aloysius College; Elias Fernandes; Naveen Dsouza; Anil Lobo and several other dignitaries, whose presence added grace and support to the occasion.

Ceremony Highlights :

Sushanth C.A. Saldanha, the newly installed President, delivered the welcome address, while Secretary Lolina Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks.
The ceremony concluded on a note of unity, celebrating the lawyers’ vocation to uphold truth, love and justice and reaffirming their role in serving society with dignity and fairness.