Mangalore: 'Souharda Christmas' brings faithful together
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, Dec 14: Souharda Christmas 2013, an event organized by various Christian bodies to spread the spirit and joy of Christmas, was held at Milagres hall here on Saturday December 14.
The event was jointly organized by Mangalore Christian Council, Mangalore Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Chair in Christianity, Karnataka Missions Network, and Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights-Western Zone.
Rev Dr John S Sadananda, Bishop, CSI- Karnataka Southern Diocese and Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore were the chief guests. Yakob Mar Elias, Metropolitan, Malankara orthodox Syrian diocese of Brahmavar, and Rev Lawrence Mukkuzy, Bishop Syro-Malabar Catholic diocese of Beltangady were the guests of honour.
The event was inaugurated by the dignitaries by lighting the auspicious lamp.
Delivering his message, Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, "Today Souharda Christmas has brought us all together, all the believers of Jesus Christ. Christ gave the message of love to the world and preached brotherhood, and that all are children of god and hence we must treat each other as brothers and sisters."
He added, "Christmas is the most awaited holy period in the calendar for the followers of Christ. Christmas means the celebration of god’s incredible love towards mankind. God sent his Son among the mankind to spread the message of peace and love.
"There are three basic truths of life - incarnation, redemption and adoption. We welcome Jesus, the Son of God who became man, and that is what we call Christmas. Today the world is drifting away from god and spiritual values. As Christians, we must bring Christ into ourselves, our society and home, so as to spread his message to the world," he said.
Greeting the gathering, Rev Yakob Mar Elias expressed gratitude to god for enabling everyone to come together through Souhard Christmas event. "Let the light of Christmas shine upon us and take away the darkness and give us peace and prosperity," he said.
Orchestra, skit, dance drama, choreography, Christmas carols and various other cultural shows were performed by the artists of various schools and churches added color to the event.
Rev Dr Joseph Martis led the opening prayer. Fr Clifford Fernandes welcomed and introduced the chief guests. Anitha Veigas and Rev Thomas Chindwal compered the event.
Watch Video