Mangalore Catholic youth urged to vote

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore said that a circular has been sent to all churches asking Catholics to vote without fail.

(Photo: IANS)

Mangalore:  The Diocese of Mangalore has launched movement to get more young Catholics involved in elections within and outside the community.

As part of the ‘Year of Youth-2019,’ the parishes under the diocese has been inviting youngsters to be part of the poll process, who have so far been aloof from the important process of elections, the Times of India reported.

According to church leaders, the youth have been roped in at a time when the Vatican celebrates, ‘Year of Youth-2019’.

The parishes also have been holding meetings at the church and ward levels to convince its parishioners to come in large number to exercise their franchise on the day of voting.

Since thousands Christians reside abroad, and many who reside here don’t turn up to vote, the percentage of Christian vote has been ss than other communities.
“As a result, we decided to give youngsters the opportunity to create awareness on voting as a part of the ‘Year of Youth-2019’ initiative,” a church leader said.

“They have also been given the task to create awareness among members of the community to exercise their franchise without fail,” said the priest on condition of anonymity.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore said that a circular has been sent to all churches asking members of the community to vote without fail.

He has asked people to vote for those candidates who protect democracy and secularism.

“Apart from youth and the Catholic Sabha, a group of laity also have been involved in creating awareness on elections and voting,” Bishop Saldanha said.

A youth said they have been actively involved in encouraging community members to vote, and to help them get voter ID cards.

“As youth, we feel proud to work as volunteers and create awareness among the community as well as those from outside the community on elections and the importance of voting. Our aim is to ensure that a maximum number of people vote,” said a youth.

Source: Times of India