Bishop of Mangalore, Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza has lauded the Services rendered by Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) for the Kanara Catholic community, specially the poor and needy. In his Preface to the new publication of CASK, titled CASK and Fellow Centurions, the bishop noted that the Association was the first laity association established in South India in 1914 with the blessing and patronage of the then Bishop of Mangalore to promote the educational, social, economic, cultural and general welfare of the Catholic Community. He observed that It was completing 100 years of its existence and meritorious service to the community.
The Bishop wrote: “True to its objectives, CASK has served the Catholic Community in the district with much dedication and commitment over the past century. It has given its special attention to education and social development, helping the poorer sections of the society in their needs. Thanks to CASK for its leadership in bringing about a change in the lives of the poor and motivating laity to emerge as leaders of our community. We need lay leaders who commit themselves for the welfare of the people and build up a strong Catholic Community around with deep faith in God. I have no doubt that CASK is taking steps in this direction.”
The Bishop called upon the members of CASK to take up leadership in the socio-economic and political fields, because these areas make a difference in lives of common people today more than ever before. He wished that CASK took up responsibility to train lay leaders in these areas and that the book inspired the laity to emerge as committed members of the Church and loyal citizens of India.
