Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Holds Carols Singing Competition
Udupi: The Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, as part of the Christa Jayanthi Jubilee Year celebrations, organised a Christmas Carols Singing Competition and prize distribution ceremony at Anugraha, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kakkunje, on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh President Ronald D’Almeida presided over the inaugural ceremony—Very Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General and Spiritual Director, was the chief guest along with Joseph Menezes of Trinity Medicare Services and a philanthropist. Sr. Zarina Lobo, Administrator of Goretti Hospital, Kallianpur, Former president Alphonse D’Costa and judges Joshal D’Souza, Stany Dias Bela, and Joe D’Souza were present on the dais. Immediate Past President Santhosh Cornelio and Secretary Joeal D’Almeida also attended the event.
The programme opened with a prayer song, followed by a welcome from President Ronald D’Almeida. The Vicar General inaugurated the event by cutting a decorated cake, after which Joseph Menezes and Sr. Zarina lit the Christmas star and Christmas tree.
In his address, Very Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves appreciated the Catholic Sabha for organising the carol singing competition and for recognising the winners of the elocution and other competitions.
The Christmas Carols competition followed, with judges’ profiles introduced by Alphonse D’Costa (on Joshal D’Souza), Jerald Rodrigues (on Stany Bela), and Rosy Quadros (on Joe D’Souza).
During the valedictory programme, monthly subscribers of Amcho Sandesh who achieved over 50 subscriptions were honoured. Certificates and prizes for the elocution competition—both participation and winners—were distributed by the dignitaries. Walter Cyril Pinto, former President of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh and Convener of the Elocution Competition, announced the results.
Dialysis identity cards from Goretti Hospital were also distributed to patients on the occasion.
To support blood donation efforts, a Blood Donors Directory was released and handed over to the presidents of all five deaneries.
The Kallianpur deanery was honoured for securing the highest advertisement contributions for Amcho Sandesh.
President Ronald D’Almeida announced the results of the Christmas Carol Singing Competition:
First Place: Kundapur Deanery
Second Place: Shirva Deanery
Third Place: Kallianpur Deanery
Consolation Prize: Udupi Deanery
Judges Joshal D’Souza and Stany Bela addressed the gathering and commended the participants for their impressive singing talent.
Chief guest Joseph Menezes also spoke during the ceremony.
Laveena Fernandes compered the programme, while Joeal D’Almeida delivered the vote of thanks.