Mangaluru: The All India Catholic Union (AICU) will be marking its centennial year with a three-day programme in New Delhi from August 23 – 25. Established in 1919, the AICU is a national organisation that represents over 20 million Catholics living across the country.
Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will be the chief guest on the last day of the event. The Chief Ministers of New Delhi, Meghalaya, and Andhra Pradesh will be the Guests of Honour. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Peter Machado, and Archbishop Anil Cutto, as well as bishops from various dioceses across the country, will be present.
Speaking to media persons at a press meet held at the Mangaluru Press Club on August 14, AICU President Lancy D’Cunha said that several personalities from various fields will be awarded at the centenary programme.
The AICU Award Committee has selected outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields of media, environmental protection, sports, public affairs, and social activism. Among the five awardees, Mangaluru environmentalist Jeeth Milan Roche will be conferred with the AICU Centenary Environment Award.
In view of the centenary celebrations, the AICU also conducted a national-level ‘Poster Painting Competition’ based on topics such as ‘Nature – God’s gift’ and ‘ Love your neighbour’.
Signis India National Secretary Fr Vijay Lobo, Catholic Sabha (Mangalore Diocese) President Rolphy D’Costa, Catholic Sabha (Udupi Diocese) President Alwyn Quadros, and CASK President Nayana Fernandes were present at the press conference.
