Mangalore: The General Body Meeting of the Mangalore Diocese Catholic Lawyers’ Guild was held at Sambhram Hall, Jeppu, Mangaluru, during which Advocate Sushanth C.A. Saldanha was unanimously elected as President for the 2025–2027 term.
A young and dynamic legal professional, Adv. Saldanha currently serves as a member of the Finance Committee of the Diocese of Mangalore and as a Professional Director of M.C.C. Bank Ltd. He is also actively involved in several organizations and serves on the Institutional Ethics Committee of Fr Muller Medical College.
The newly elected Vice Presidents are Richard D’Costa, President of the Bantwal Bar Association, and Aloysius Lobo, Chairman of the Senior Committee and former President of the Belthangady Bar Association.
Other office bearers elected include:
Lolina D’Souza – Secretary, Zita Priya Moras – Joint Secretary, Rakesh Mascarenhas – Treasurer, Reshma Priya D’Souza – Cultural Secretary, Sr. Lynet D’Souza – Liturgical Secretary
Eight members were also elected to the Guild Council:
Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, Sr Rency D’Silva, Deepak D’Souza, Naveen Pais, Deepak Ferran D’Souza, Alwyn Monteiro, Laveena D’Souza, Santhosh Peter D’Souza, and Roshan D'Souza.
In his address, President-elect Adv. Saldanha expressed his and the new team's commitment to promoting legal awareness, especially within the Catholic community. He emphasized the Guild’s mission to uphold the Indian Constitution, protect legal and human rights, and support the poor and marginalized through the dissemination of legal knowledge.
Founder-President Adv. M.P. Noronha shared insightful guidance and suggestions on how the Guild can further its mission of promoting justice and building legal consciousness.
The meeting was presided over by outgoing President Adv. Santhosh Peter D’Souza, who welcomed the gathering and oversaw the election process, along with election officers Naveen Pais and Sr Rency D’Silva. Outgoing Secretary Sr Rency also extended a vote of thanks to Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta, Spiritual Director of the Guild, for his continued support and for providing the venue.
The meeting witnessed enthusiastic participation from Catholic advocates across the Diocese, reflecting a renewed dedication to service through the practice of law and the values of faith.