Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jul 10: Government holiday for nativity feast on September 8, a long pending demand of Catholics in the coast is all set to become a reality.
At a press meet held here on July 10, Rolfy D Costa, president of Catholic Sabha, said, "For the last many years the Christian community of Dakshina Kannada has been demanding a government holiday on September 8, feast of nativity. It is a very important festival for Christians who live in the Konkan belt. As per tradition, family members get together to celebrate the feast. People residing in the Gulf and other parts of the world, choose this day to visit their native place, but our children, teachers and those working in government offices are unable to celebrate the feast which is religiously and traditionally important.”
“For several years we requested the government to grant a holiday on this day. Continuing our mission this year, we met minister U T Khader and submitted the memorandum. Without any delay he has considered our demand and spoken to the deputy commissioner. We later met the DC and he approved the demand. He has sent it to the government for its consent. So now, we need only a notification from the government and are waiting for it,” he added.
He further said, "We also met the chief minister in this regard. We have also demanded a separate board for Christians. CM has responded positively and we hope that our demands will be fulfilled soon.”
Fr Mathew Vas, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha, Anil Lobo, former president, Alwyn Quadres, Stany Lobo, Celestine were present.