Mangalore: Our Lady of Pompei Church Celebrates Christmas Sauharda Koota

Pics by Godwin Lobo
Daijiworld media Network – Mangalore (SB)

Mangalore, Dec 30: For the fifth year in succession the parishioners of Our Lady of Pompei Church, Gurpur Kaikamba celebrated Christmas get together with the Hindu and Muslim brethren. The Sauharda Koota was arranged at Kaikamba junction. 

More than 2000 people of all faith participated in the programme making it a memorable and unique experience. Fr Antony Lobo, parish priest Surathkal Church  presided. Fr Valerian Mendonca, director,Sandesha, vedamurthy Gopalakrishna Asranna, chief priest Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Kateel and U K  Yusuf Sha, Adi, Badria Jumma Masjid, Kandavara  were the guests of honour.A ll the dignitaries emphasized the relevance and the need for peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and harmonious living irrespective of difference in their religious beliefs.

The programme began  with a prayer led by the parish choir. Students from Rosa Mystica High School welcomed the gathering with lovely welcome dance.

The stage programme commenced with a brief introduction by Fr Paul Rego parish priest, Pompei Church ,Gurpur followed by the welcome address by Johnson Lobo, vice-president, Pompei Church.

Passages from scriptures, Holy Bible, Bhagavad-Gita and Holy Quran were recited highlighting the significance  of  the occasion. To add flavour to the function the story of the birth of Jesus was enacted by novices of Rosa Mystica convent.

PYC & YCS of Pompei Church cheered  the crowd with jokes and variety programme. The performance by Hindu brethren, Kala Nidhi and Skanda Seva Samiti of Kaikamba
greatly impressed the gathering. The Disha Trust , Kaikamba enacted a skit on the awareness on environment. The different cultures were depicted by Sthree Sanghatan members. Tulu dance and African  dances added special colour to it.

Sylvia Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks. Delcy Rodrigues and Deepak Andrade compered the programme.