Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha launches appeal to aid Pakistan flood victims
http://ewtnnews.com/new.php?id=1457
Lahore, Pakistan, Aug 20, 2010 | (EWTN News)

In the wake of catastrophic floods in Pakistan which have reportedly submerged one fifth of the country under water, the country's bishops have launched a joint appeal for Pakistani Catholics to contribute to relief efforts.

Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore provided a joint statement from the bishops in Pakistan to EWTN News on Thursday, urging increased relief efforts and calling for a national day of prayer on Aug. 24 throughout the country.

Note: Archbishop Saldanha was serving as associate pastor of Precious Blood Church in Toronto, Canada, when he was recalled to serve the Church in Pakistan.[1] On 24 Apr 2001 he was appointed Archbishop of Lahore by Pope John Paul II. He is the Leader of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan On 16 January 2010, Archbishop Saldanha celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a priest, of serving his church for 50 years.

“Our country is facing the biggest natural disaster in history. The super floods of the mighty river Indus have brought death and wide spread destruction – over 15 million people have been affected,” and hundreds of thousands of homes “have been washed away by the raging waters,” he wrote. “We stand in solidarity with those who have suffered in this national tragedy.”

“What is our Christian response in the face of such an enormous disaster?” the prelate asked. “We are followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. He taught us that love is the most important commandment. To live as a Christian means to stand up and actively promote love, mercy and compassion, especially for those who are hungry and in extreme need.”

“In this critical moment of national tragedy, it is our Christian duty to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim and Hindu brethren and face the common calamity with courage and determination,” Archbishop Saldanha underscored. “We your religious leaders want to mobilize our limited resources in doing what we can to alleviate the sufferings of the many displaced persons.”

“We bishops appeal to all our members to come forward and help the flood hit people with cooked foods or dry rations, and also provide tents for shelter and medicines against cholera and other diseases. Our youth are urged to serve as volunteers in relief camps.”

The prelate also called for a day of prayer on Tuesday, Aug. 24 for all parishes in the country. “If possible a Holy Hour of Adoration could be arranged when Christians will pray earnestly that the Almighty Provider may have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and failures and save us from further harm and destruction.”

“In the end we invoke our solemn Episcopal blessing upon our beloved motherland and wish it peace, unity and prosperity,” he concluded.

Fundraising Event in Toronto for Victims of Pakistan Floods

A Charity Dinner/Dance for the flood victims in Pakistan, organized by the Can Orient, 55Plus, TEGSA, and the Anglo-Indian Association will take place on Friday August, 27, 2010 at the Maple Banquet Hall, 1325 Eglington Ave. Toronto.

Please click flyer for details

The Goan Charitable Organization (GCO) is helping in the humanitarian effort to send aid to the helpless in Pakistan.

Click here to see appeal letter

Song for Word Goa Day 2010,
by Jacinta Luis of Montreal

Jacinta Luis is happy & proud as a Goan Canadian to present a music video of her composition, “GOA” that she composed in celebration of World Goa Day, 2010.

The Music Video has been offered online on Youtube:

Jacinta is a pianist, singer, songwriter, and full time music professor at Dawson College in Montreal. She is currently recording her third album; it will include some of Montreal’s finest musicians: Carlos Jimenez, guitar, Al Mclean, saxophones, Wali Muhammad, drums, Stephane Crete, bass, Jacinta Luis, piano & vocals.

Jacinta will be donating the profits from the sales of the song, “GOA” to help children in need that would like to learn music in Goa.

The CD single of the song, “GOA” will be available through Jacinta Luis in the near future for those who would like to purchase it and who wish to contribute to this cause.

Canada loses 9,300 jobs in July
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/fp/Canada+loses+jobs+July/3366839/story.html
Financial Post | August 6, 2010

Statistics Canada said Friday that 139,000 full-time jobs were lost during the month of July, while 129,700 part-time positions were created.

OTTAWA - The Canadian economy unexpectedly shed 9,300 jobs in July, most of them full-time positions, as the pace of recovery shows signs of slowing. Statistics Canada said Friday that 139,000 full-time jobs were lost during the month, while 129,700 part-time positions were created. The unemployment rate rose to eight per cent in July from 7.9 per cent the previous month. the federal agency said.

“In July, employment decreased in educational services and in finance, insurance, real estate and leasing. At the same time, there were increases in manufacturing and public administration.,” it said.

“Quebec posted employment losses in July, while Alberta and British Columbia had increases. In all other provinces, employment was little changed.”

Most economists had expected between 12,000 and 15,000 new jobs in July, with the unemployment rate remaining at 7.9 per cent. The Canadian dollar was trading around 97.80 cents US following the jobs report, after finishing at 98.37 cents US the previous day.

The July employment loss followed six straight months of job growth for Canada. It follows a surge of 93,200 positions people in June and 108,700 in April, which set a record.

Kenyan voters pass new constitution opposed by Church
http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/
August 05, 2010

The people of Kenya have voted in a referendum to approve a new constitution, according to early election returns. The constitution, backed by the United States, was opposed by Catholic and Protestant leaders because of its provision allowing for the legalization of abortion.

“The Church has not lost any moral credibility,” said Bishop Cornelius Korir of Eldoret after the referendum. “The Church was only expressing God’s law.” Grateful that the election was peaceful, he added, “Thanks for the peace, and we ask you to continue living in peace.”

25% of the nation's 37.2 million people are Catholic, according to Vatican statistics. Some 45% of Kenyans are Protestant, while most of the rest are Muslims or hold indigenous beliefs.

2010 Goan Convention- held July 3-5th, 2010, in New Jersey
www.GoanConvention.com
Posted on GoaNet by George Pinto
Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:37:17 -0700 | From: Vaishali Sawant

The Biggest and Best Goan Convention to date. Over 300 Goans gathered in New Jersey for the 10th Biennial Convention, Secaucus, July 3-5th, 2010.

The Goan Convention took place over the July 4th weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, New Jersey (just 3 miles outside New York City). There were over 300 people in attendance including adults, youth and children. This Convention had the highest turnout overall and the most number of youth than any previous convention. The 3 day weekend was filled with many activities for all ages and a social platform for people from all over North America, England and Goa to unite and network.

From its inception 20 years ago, the goals of the convention have remained steadfast: to give the entire Goan community a way to channel and foster that pride so that our heritage can still flourish even an entire world away. It is of the utmost importance to preserve the things that make us who we are. Without doing so, we lose our identity and our individuality, especially in a melting pot like America.

The Convention served as a fantastic medium through which our uniqueness was brought to light. For some, it brought back fond childhood memories of growing up in Goa. For others, it was a glimpse into a place where they have never been, but peculiarly enough, could still call “home”.

The key mission during the Convention was to make sure the Youth got involved and continued the Goan traditions and culture so they can eventually pass on their heritage to their children. A prime example of this was this years’ Convention committee. It was organized by a group of Youth for the first time in its 20 year history. It was headed by President: Vaishali Sawant (NJ), Activities Director: Ameeka Borkar (NJ), Treasurer: Priti Vemulapalli (NJ), Secretary: Ashvini Sawant (NJ), Public Relations: Roma Kamatmhamai (CT) and Volunteer Coordinator: Rhea Hodarkar (NY). This was also the first time the committee consisted of all young women. The attendees were all extremely impressed at the collaboration of this Youth committee to bring fresh new ideas making for a successful Convention.

The activities of the weekend consisted of lectures by Goan community members including Dr. Anthony Gomes, Mr. Christopher Nunes and George Pinto/Filomena Giese/Acaria & Shilla Almeida of Goa Sudharop. There were classes on Konkani Language Basics as well as a class on Learning how to put on a Sari & Tie for the Youth.

The biggest hit was the Bollywood dance class where adults and youth were taught basic dance moves from Hindi movies. Everyone became a Bollywood star that day. There was also a picnic where the attendees wore Convention t-shirts and participated in soccer games, badminton, family games and even Anthakshari.

There was an abundance of Goan culture from Authentic Goan food dishes, folklore songs, traditional dances and even a taped speech by the Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat. On one evening, the 21 and over Youth were taken via bus to New York City to a club where they were able to socialize with other youth and made connections that will hopefully last a lifetime.

On July 5th at the closing ceremonies, the 2012 Goan Convention was handed over to Mahendra & Shama Kenkre to be held in Detroit, Michigan. We hope that they continue the Goan traditions and keep the youth involved for years to come. Best of Luck to them!