PANAJI
The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) had organised a brainstorming session for its Executive members at the Pallotti Home in Chicalim on May 1.
The session began with a welcome address by CAG President Adv. Nick Collaco.
The status of the present condition of the Christian community in India was discussed and deliberated upon by the members present.
A roadmap for the CAG was discussed and identified, and the same will be put up at the next Executive Committee meeting for approval and implementation.
The session involved a presentation of the activities aimed at the youth, which was presented by Joseph Rodrigues and Kenneth Lobo, CAG Youth Representative for South Goa.
The second speaker was Nelson Figueiredo, Treasurer of CAG, who suggested fresh areas for intervention that the CAG could explore.
Cyril A. Fernandes, Vice-President (South Goa), gave a presentation on the proposed roadmap for CAG for the future. He proposed in his presentation new areas of activity and campaigns at parish and deanery levels for laypersons. Some social events to attract the young at school and parish level were also proposed.
The CAG members had invited prominent Catholic leaders from the local community to guide them during the proceedings. They included Elias Vaz (President of the All-India Catholic Union), Dr Mimi Menezes (Past Founding President of CAG), John Shilshi, Elvis Gomes, John Cruz, and Sean Palha from AICU.
Elias Vaz offered all help and guidance on behalf of the AICU to help the CAG increase its footprint in Goa with its activities.
Dr Mimi Menezes urged the CAG to be more vocal and active, while requesting CAG members to widen the scope of activities.
Capt. Eddie Viegas moderated the entire 3-hour session, Barbara D’Mello summarised the proceedings of the day, and CAG Vice-President (North) Graciano Gomes delivered the vote of thanks.
During the event, the CAG appreciated the achievements of Goa’s new chess prodigy, Master Ethan Vaz, and offered a Special Commendation Certificate to him for his latest achievements at the Western Asia Youth Chess Championship 2025 (Under-16 Open) at Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The Special Commendation Certificate was issued on behalf of the CAG by its President Adv. Nick Collaco to Edwin Vaz, father of Ethan Vaz.
The CAG promised full support to the young chess prodigy and also offered to mobilise resources for his future.
The CAG appealed to the entire Catholic community, besides other Goans from all walks of life, to come forward and extend their mite to the cause of Ethan Vaz, so that he continues to achieve higher glory for Goa and India in chess.
