Mangaluru, September 5, 2025 — The Konkani Catholic Lawyers Guild marked a historic milestone on Friday with the installation of its new executive team for the 2025–2027 term, combining solemn tradition with a call to integrity in the legal profession.
The day began with the Red Mass at St Antony’s Ashram Chapel, Jeppu, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, and nine concelebrating priests. In his homily, the Bishop invoked the wisdom of Solomon for the legal fraternity, urging advocates to remain steadfast in truth. “Where there is truth, there is love; and where there is love, there is truth,” he reminded them, setting the moral compass for the day’s proceedings.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Guild gathered at Sambhram Hall, St Antony’s Ashram, where Bishop Saldanha administered the oath of office to the newly elected Executive Committee and Council members.
Office Bearers (2025–2027):
President: Mr. Sushanth C.A. Saldanha
Vice Presidents: Mr. Aloysius S. Lobo and Mr. Richard Costa M.
Vice Presidents: Mr. Aloysius S. Lobo and Mr. Richard Costa M.
Treasurer: Mr. Rakesh Mascarenhas
Secretary: Mrs. Lolina D’Souza
Joint Secretary: Mrs. Zita Priya Moras
Cultural Secretary: Mrs. Reshma Priya D’Souza
Liturgical Secretary: Sr Lynet Priya D’Souza
The Guild also honoured its patron saint, St Thomas More, celebrated globally as the patron of lawyers and model of professional integrity. Achievers from the community were felicitated, including Ms. Remona Evette Pereira, Golden Book of Records holder in Bharatanatyam; Mr. Richard Costa M., President of Dakshina Kannada and Bantwal Bar Associations; and Mr. M.P. Noronha, Principal Government Pleader.
Outgoing President Mr. Santhosh Peter D’Souza was appreciated for his dedicated leadership, while newly installed President Mr. Sushanth Saldanha pledged to guide the Guild with vision, unity, and unwavering commitment to justice.
The ceremony drew an audience of around 150, including dignitaries such as Fr J.B. Crasta, Spiritual Animator of the Guild; Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Rector of St Aloysius College; Mr. Elias Fernandes; Mr. Naveen D’Souza; and Mr. Anil Lobo. Their presence highlighted the Guild’s growing relevance within the professional and faith communities.
With a warm welcome address by Mr. Sushanth Saldanha and a heartfelt vote of thanks from Mrs. Lolina D’Souza, the event concluded with a renewed pledge by the legal fraternity to uphold truth, justice, and the dignity of their calling.
