All Banks' Christian Employees Assn celebrates decennial year

Mangalore, August 15: The decennial anniversary of the 'All Bank's Christian Employees Association' was celebrated at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee hall, Bendur on August 14th, 2011. A Thanksgiving Mass was held earlier at St Sebastian Church, Bendur. The programme started off with a welcome song by Mr. Prem Lobo & group. The Welcome speech was delivered by Mr. Audy Rego, the president of ABCEA Mangalore,and the decennial report was presented by Mr. Marcel D'souza, ABCEA Founder Chairman & General Secretary.

On this occasion the ABCEA news bulletin was released by Mr. Mannu Bantwal, the proprietor of Prime Land Real Estate. Bishop of Mangalore Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza launched the Association's website www.abceamangalore.com. After this Mr. World Raymond was felicitated with a shawl and garland, by the Bishop and other dignitaries, in recognition of his achievements. Children of ABCEA employees who had achieved success in academics were also honoured on the occasion.

Mr. Melwyn D'cunha, the chairman of MCC Bank, who spoke on this occasion, lamented that although Mangalore was the cradle for several national banks, the Catholic community was lagging behind in the banking sector. He pointed out that several other smaller and newly established co-operative banks had achieved greater success than MCC bank. He stated that a merger between MCC and ABCEA would help it to grow nationally and internationally.

While addressing the gathering, ABCEA deputy general manager Mr. John D'Souza commented that eventhough mangaloreans had secured high ranking jobs and positions, both in the private and public sectors, the mangalorean catholic community was still far behind others in taking up administrative posts. He went on to say that the catholic community have misunderstood our religious teachings and lived in fear of God. He stated that there was a difference between loving God and fearing him. At the end of his address he called upon the youth to consider a career in the IAS or IPS.

Bishop Aloysius D'souza who presided over the programme lauded the efforts of ABCEA for their service to society by assisting the underprivileged sections in education. He exhorted the gathering to give assistance to the education of students who are not able to afford it. He also informed that all 160 parishes in Mangalore diocese would take up a project to build atleast one house each for the poor families. He concluded by urging parents to encourage their children to go for higher education and become achievers as well as responsible students.

Executive member Mr. Oswald Valento proposed the vote of thanks. After the formal programme there was a cultural programme which consisted of Konkani Anarkali dance by ABCEA employees, a bodybuilding show by Mr. Raymond and housie-housie.