On February 13,
2025, the Late Bishop Basil Memorial Lecture was held on the theme
"Anchoring Our Hope in Christ." The event began with a tribute to the
esteemed Bishop Basil D'Souza, who faithfully served the Diocese of Mangalore
for 31 years. His unwavering faith and dedicated service have left a lasting
legacy for future generations.
The keynote speaker
for the lecture was Rev. Fr Ratan Almeida, OCD, while the session was moderated
by Rev. Fr Praveen Joy Saldana. Fr Ratan
Almeida spoke profoundly on the theme of hope, emphasizing that as we celebrate
the Jubilee Year of Hope (from December 24, 2024, to the Feast of Epiphany in
2026), we must understand that hope is not mere optimism but a theological
virtue—a firm trust in God's promises. He reminded the audience that our
greatest hope is Jesus Christ and encouraged them not to be discouraged by the
current global challenges, such as wars, economic struggles, and injustice.
Quoting Pope
Francis' Papal bull Spes Non Confundit ("Hope Does Not Disappoint"),
Fr. Almeida reaffirmed that true Christian hope is steadfast and
transformative. The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where
attendees actively participated in discussions. Overall, it was a fruitful and
enlightening gathering, providing deep insights into the virtue of hope.