Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pics: Mummy Digital Studio, Udyavar
Udupi, Apr 25: Ahead of the inauguration of the newly-built St Francix Xavier Church, Udyavar, a Hore Kanike procession was held on Sunday April 24, on the theme 'Live in harmony as God's children'.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, Udupi district in-charge minister, Dinakar Katapady, zilla panchayat member, Rajani Anchan, taluk panchyat member, Riyaz Palli, vice-president of Udyavar gram panchayat, and H D Mendonca, SP, Lokayuta, Karwar together flagged off the Hore Kanike procession at Jai Hind Complex, near Udyavar post office.
Fr Roque D'Souza, parish priest, Wilfred D'Souza, coordinator of Hore Kanike committee, Lawrance D'Sa, vice-president of parish pastrol council, Michael D'Souza, secetray, Fr Alban, Fr Stephen, Fr Romeo, Fr Roshan and other religious leaders were present on the occasion.
Ronald Almeida compered the Hore Kanike inaugural ceremony.
Various items were offered in more than 85 vehicles. The procession started at Jai Hind Complex, and passed through Melpetti before culminating at the Church. Chende, Nasik bands, and tablueax added colour to the procession. The procession was welcomed at the Church premises by the Hore Kanike committee. Various organizations were honoured at the Church for their offerings.
Also, an inter-religious meet was organized at the premises of St Francis Xavier Church later in the evening.
Fr Fred Mascarenhas, dean of Udupi deanary presided over the meet, while Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji of Puttige Math, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, Akbar Ali of Jamaat-e-lslam, Fr Roque D'Souza, parish priest were present.
Sri Sugunendra Swamiji inaugurated the meet by lighting the lamp.
Swamiji in his address said, "Before entering Udupi, a church welcomes all devotees to Udupi city. This is a feather in Udupi's cap. Udupi is a sacred place not only to Hindus, it is a home for all religions. Because of this, it occupies a place of pride in the region.
"We Udupians welcome all people with open arms, which might be the reason for our success.
People often drift away from religion and get attracted to materialistic life. People today are scared of religious programmes because of the wrong message being spread in the society. We can solve this only by spreading awareness on religion through such events. In this regard, the Catholic community has taken the inititiave to bring everyone together on a single platform," he said.
Bishop of Udupi in his address said, "Jesus said, 'I am the truth, I am the way, and I am life'. Peace is the one of the greatest gifts to mankind on earth. India has become a beacon light to the entire world because it is home to 3,000 religions, 122 languages, and many major communities.
"In Udupi, there are five rivers flowing in various directions, but all of them join together in the ocean. The ocean does not reject anything the rivers bring with them. Truth is the essence of all religions. Peace, harmony, kindness etc are spread by all religions but not evils like murder, hate etc. We have gathered here today as one family, let us live as children of God."
Akbar Ali in his address said, "Udyavar is known for its inter-religious programmes. Bringing all communities under one roof before the inauguration of the Church and joining the hearts of people is the best way to mark this occasion. Let our bond grow strong in the coming days."
"If such programmes are held regularly, it will solve many of the problems in india. In the olden days there was no chasm between people of different religions. All people used to take part in all celebrations of all religions. Church, temple and mosques were not huge then, but today everything has become huge and people have become narrow-minded.
"After our death no one will remember our names, but what we do during our lifetime will be remembered throughout. For that, first we need to live our lives as human beings and value others. Destroying church, temple or mosque will not destroy religion. These are only places of worship, real religion should be in our hearts," he said.
Fr Fred Mascarenhas in his presidential address quoted the words of former Pope Benedict XVI and said, "There are two main cultures and they are culture of death and culture of life. Today, the world follows the culture of death by committing murders, harassment, sending the elderly to old age homes etc. 'Live and let live' should be the motto of one's life. Jesus Christ by washing the feet of his disciples said 'go and wash the feet of others and thereby serve the society'. Let us destroy the walls created between us and let us build a bridge of life."
Mary D'Souza welcomed the guests, Wilfred D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks, while Michael D'Souza and Asumptha Machado compered the programme.