Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Dec 17: The Capuchin Friars successfully presented its musical show 'Bethlehemachi Saanz', a portrayal about origin of the concept of Christmas crib at St Agnes Special school ground on Sunday, December 16.
Bishop-emeritus Aloysius Paul D Souza attended the musical show as the chief guest. Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, Mangaluru south, Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld Media Group, Fr Peter Cyprian D'Souza, advisor, Capuchin, Karnataka province, Sr Joythi Saldana, principal, St Agnes CBSE School, Fr Chetan Lobo, editor, Uzwad Weekly , Fr Rupert Barboza, were the guests of honours.
In his message Bishop-emeritus said, “Nowadays we can see the joy of Christmas all over the world. It is the season of sharing happiness and celebration. God sent his son to this earth for the salvation of human kind. It is the gift by God to the humanity and he has given a message to love each other by sending his own son.”
“Christmas crib is common in this season. It is a part of Christmas. We are arranging the statue of infant Jesus in beautifully designed cribs. But it is not enough to get salvation. We have to place infant Jesus in our hearts. By our good deeds and kind heart towards the needy, we can design a crib in our heart. If we are successful in it, our Christmas will be more meaningful,” he added.
In his Christmas wishes Vedavyas Kamath said, “Christmas is the season of blessings and it is a universal feast. I am happy to participate in this 'Bethlehemachi Saanz' which is organised as part of Christmas. I wish a merry Christmas to all Christian community and all citizens of Mangaluru.”
Appreciating the artists and gathering who attended the show Walter Nandalike said, “We must appreciate Capuchin Friars and artists for a wonderful programme, especially Fr Melwyn. He is using Konkani language for his all musical dramas which shows his affection towards mother tongue. Some people and organizations claim that they are the protectors of Konkani language. But I want to say if Konkani is alive today; it is only because of our religious fathers and sisters. Konkani mass and catechism is one of the main reasons for saving Konkani. So the credit of pioneers of Konkani goes to them.”
The logo of 60th jubilee of ‘Sevak’, the Konkani monthly and the book of daily bible readings published by Capuchin Friars was released during the programme.
Fr Paul Melwyn D’souza welcomed the dignitaries and gathering. Violla Pinto compared the event.
‘Bethlehemachi Saanz’ is written and directed by Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza and choreographed by Suresh Attavar. The students of Chakrapani Nrithya Kalakendra acted in the musical drama. The students of St Agnes CBSC School also took part in the show. The show received wide appreciation from gathering and art lovers. The play enthralled the audience because of its superb script, direction and acting. Christmas crib was the main subject of the story which was prepared by St Francis Assisi in the 13th century.