Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK/SP)
Mangaluru Dec 11: Bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, along with other dignitaries on the dais, inaugurated the programme, 'Christa Namana', by lighting the lamp and cutting the cake. The event happened to be a Christmas message-oriented cultural programme organized by Doordarshan Bengaluru (Chandana) in association with Mangalore diocese here at Father Muller Convention Centre on Sunday December 10.
Students of Padua PU College in the city invoked God's blessing through their dance performance.
In his Christmas message, Dr Aloysious Paul D Souza said, "I thank the entire team of Chandana for organizing 'Christa Namana' and taking the initiative to spread Christmas message to the world. Christmas is not celebrated by Christians alone, but it is also celebrated by other communities in different forms. Jesus spread the message of love and peace to the world. Where there is no peace, confusion prevails. Jesus, with his message, has tried to make the atmosphere serene and peaceful and advised the people to love their neighbours. He always impressed on the need to forgive one's enemies and bless those who provoke them. Let god bless each one of us".
Chief whip of legislative council, Ivan D Souza said,"I thank the crew of Chandana for organizing 'Christa Namana' in Mangaluru and taking the initiative to spread the message of Christmas all over. The message spread by Jesus will remain forever. His message of love, peace and harmony was able to win against all odds, we should spread this message by becoming the ambassador of Jesus and then we would be able to win against the hatred and bring back love and peace".
MLA, J R Lobo, said,"Christmas celebration has no geographical or religious limitations as it is celebrated by each one of us. 2000 years back Jesus was a faith amongst us and created faith in the process of loving each other. This makes the world very peaceful. We should keep ego and jealousy aside and walk in the footsteps of Jesus and implement his messages in our lives."
Deputy director general of Doordarshan Kendra Bengaluru, N Chandrashekar, said, "13 years back the Archbishop of Bengaluru had initiated this 'Christa Namana' programme, and from then onward, we have been organizing this event at various places. This is the second time we are conducting the programme in Mangaluru and I thank Father Muller administrative members for their co-operation in making this possible."
President of Ramakrishna Math, Swami Jitakamananda, said, "Sacrifice, love and service, was the beautiful message given by Jesus and there is no doubt that we are seeing Jesus in the form of god. Through his message we can bring changes in the society. His message was to love the neighbourhood, and we steadfastly follow this message, it is possible to achieve love and peace in the world".
Archbishop of Bengaluru, Fr Bernard Moras, said, "God has always blessed me to initiate 'Christa Namana' and I have taken part in 13 editions of this event. I am confident that the crew of 'Chandana' will take this forward. Entire December is a holy month and it is celebrated with joy and happiness and we should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and his message of spreading love and peace".
On this occasion, Bengaluru Archbishop was felicitated on his completion of 50 years of priesthood.
There were dance performances by the students of St Agnes Special school, St Alphonsa Church Kankanady, St Aloysious College, St Anns PU College and Morning Star school Bajpe.
Song performance by Capuchin fathers of St Anns Friary Bejai, Reuben Machado and group, Karnataka Theological College, SRA sisters and Fr Muller Medical college.
Drama and Dance by Charity sisters Mangaluru, Skit by St Joseph seminary, ballet dance by Fr Muller medical college and radium dance by Simon Pais Bajal.
Concepta Fernandes and Gladson Jathanna compered the program. Coordinator of Mangaluru diocese, Fr Onil D Souza, welcomed the gathering.
Vicar general, Dennis Moras Prabhu, FMCI president, Fr Richard Coelho, secretary of diocesan pastoral council, M P Noronha, and Bishop of Ballari, Henry D Souza, were present among others.