Assistant to Jesuit General meets Mangalore Bishop

November 15, 2011

Mangalore, November 15: The Assistant to the General of the Jesuits of the world in Rome and in-charge of the South Asian Assistancy of the Jesuits, Rev. Fr Lisbert D'Souza visited Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore on 14th Monday at the Bishop's House of Mangalore.

The General Congregation elects four Assistants. Their function is to assist the Superior General on behalf of the whole Society. Fr Federico Lombardi, an Italian Jesuit and the current director of the Holy See Press Office is another such Assistant.

According to Jesuit sources there are 10 Assistancies with more than 18500 Jesuit priests serving in 112 nations across the globe in six continents through 93 provinces. The South Asian Assistancy is the biggest with more than 4000 members which make it for 20.9%. India has 20 provinces of Jesuits with Madurai Province accommodating maximum number of Jesuits which is more than 400.

The Jesuit Conference of South Asian Assistancy was held recently in Pune in the presence of Fr Lisbert. After the conference Fr Lisbert is on an official visit to the Karnataka Province during which he personally visits every Jesuit institution to have fist hand information. For the Jesuit General will consult him in every major Jesuit decision of South Asia. He gathered first hand information on the collaboration between the Jesuits and the Diocese.

Fr Lisbert who is originally from Goa said that as per the need of the times more Jesuits are sent into the seminaries to be spiritual formatters and guides. The seminaries request especially for younger Jesuits who are well aware of the present times and modern sciences. The Pope Benedict 16th had invited the Jesuits to help him and the church in integrated formation of priests. The Pope had expressed especially during his visit to the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome founded by St Ignatius of Loyola, the first university of the Jesuits.

The Bishop of Mangalore honoured the Jesuit Assistant on behalf of the Church of Mangalore. Diocesan Chancellor Fr Henry Sequeira, PRO Fr William Menezes, Treasurer Fr Maxim Noronha, Judicial Vicar Fr Valerian Menezes and others were present on the occasion.

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Vokkaligara Sangha threatens Congress: ‘Shivakumar must be CM or face backlash’

News Network

November 27,2025

Bengaluru: The Vokkaligara Sangha on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Congress, saying the party could face serious electoral repercussions if Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is not appointed as Chief Minister.

The warning follows the public backing of Shivakumar’s chief ministerial ambition by top Vokkaliga pontiff Nirmalanandanatha Swami, who urged the Congress high command to honor his claim.

“The community supported Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections only because Shivakumar had a real chance to become CM. If he is cheated, we’ll teach the party a big lesson,” said newly elected Sangha president L. Srinivas. He added that Vokkaligas would organize protests under the guidance of community leaders.

General Secretary C.G. Gangadhar pointed out that Congress won more seats in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region due to Shivakumar’s influence, adding, “If Congress wants to retain power, Shivakumar should be made the CM.”

Outgoing president Kenchappa Gowda emphasized Shivakumar’s contribution to Congress’ victory. “Our community voted for Congress thinking he would become CM. Siddaramaiah has also served the party well, but Shivakumar should now be given a chance,” he said.

Former general-secretary Konappa Reddy appealed to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to recognize Shivakumar’s loyalty and service, saying, “Congress is known to keep its promises. We hope it won’t break the promise made to him.”

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