Mangaluru Priests Strengthen Fraternity through Badminton League

MANGALURU, August 14, 2026: More than 50 priests from the Mangalore and Udupi dioceses came together for a day of sport, fellowship and physical wellness as the Diocesan Priests League (DPL 2026) was held at Lourdes Central School, Bejai, on August 12.

Organised in connection with Priests’ Day, observed annually on August 4 in honour of St John Mary Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, the badminton league has evolved from an informal friendly match among sports-loving clergy into an annual event promoting fraternity and holistic wellbeing.

Inaugurating the tournament and unveiling the Vianney Cup, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore underlined the importance of togetherness in priestly life. Referring to the addition of “Communiter”, meaning “together”, to the Olympic motto, he said sport has a special ability to bring people together.

“The family that plays together stays together,” Bishop Saldanha said, adding that the experience of playing together should encourage priests to support one another and serve as “stronger, healthier, and closer” members of one presbyterium.

The league gave priests engaged in parish ministry an opportunity to step away from their regular pastoral responsibilities for physical exercise, recreation and fellowship. Senior priests and newly ordained clergy participated alongside one another, fostering interaction and mutual encouragement.

Four teams competed in this year’s tournament: Lawrencians, owned by St Lawrence English Medium School, Bondel; Lourdes Giants, owned by Lourdes Central School, Bejai; Michael Warriors, owned by Fr Michael Santhumayor; and Co-Smashers, owned by Codialbail Press.

Lawrencians won the tournament and lifted the Vianney Cup. Lourdes Giants finished runners-up, followed by Michael Warriors in third place and Co-Smashers in fourth.

Fr Johnson Sequeira, principal of Lourdes Central School, welcomed participants at the inaugural ceremony, while Fr Clifford Pinto served as master of ceremonies.

The organising team included Fr Stany Pereira, parish priest of Bejai; Fr Anil Avild Lobo, event coordinator and convenor and parish priest of Nainad; Fr Michael Santhumayor; Fr Ivan Cordeiro, representing Fr Vincent Saldanha; and Fr Peter Gonsalves, representing Fr Basil Vas.

DPL 2026 demonstrated how sport can complement priestly ministry by promoting physical fitness, personal wellbeing and fraternity. The event brought priests from the Mangalore and Udupi dioceses together in an informal setting while commemorating St John Mary Vianney through fellowship and shared activity.

By Catholic Connect Reporter