Alban Mendonca

Why did you decide to Run:
My wife and I are strong practising Catholics associated at St. Bernadette’s Parish Ajax. My 2 sons and their wives are practising Catholics as well. My 4 grandchildren are or soon will be attending Catholic Schools in the Durham Region. I have strong faith-based family values that have carried over to my children. Given my grandchildren are a part of the Durham Catholic Board system I have a vested interest in representing parents, grandparents and all participants in the education system.

How will you embrace Diversity in this role?
I was born and raised in Mumbai, India. It is the largest and longest-living democracy in the world.  We had 11 religions and 17 languages with their script and over 3000 dialects. We all lived like brothers and sisters and one big family.

Remember the famous saying “Each one for himself and God for all”. At the same time, one should not force their ideology, philosophy and thinking onto another person. Respect the other person and Respect has to be earned and not demanded. Having said that I embrace diversity and respect all human beings and their values and choices. I am a visible minority and have firsthand experienced the effects of individuals who do not accept diversity.

How Active are you in Catholic Church:

I have been associated with the Knights of Columbus for over 14 years. (ie 4 years at St. Thomas More, Scarborough, 10 years with St. Patricks in Markham and 3 years with St. Isaac Jogues in Pickering). My wife Odette and myself were involved as facilitators in the Marriage Preparation course in St. Barnabas, Scarborough. I have been involved in the Hospitality Ministry in St. Barnabas, Scarborough; St. Thomas More, Scarborough and St. Patricks' in Markham.

To quote Pope Francis “Pope Francis has been billed as the most progressive Pope in history. He has made pronouncements in favour of respecting people who are LGBTQ, stating in 2013, "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?"