Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) organised a special programme as a part of the Christmas celebrations at the campus on Saturday, December 14.
The chief guest of the event was Indian Medical Association (Mangaluru) President Dr Annayya Kulal Ulthur. After a prayer dance to kickstart the celebrations on an auspicious note, FMCI Director Fr Richard Coelho welcomed the gathering.
He said, “Christmas season is the perfect time to share joy and peace among people. While our hospital celebrates 139 years of existence, the loyalty that inspires in providing care is a strength which helps to carry on the vision of ‘Heal and Comfort – serving humanity with compassion and respect’. As our ministry theme is “Love and Serve the faithful after the example of Christ”, this is a great opportunity to serve the mankind with preventive and promotive health care at the doorsteps of the community. Rejoicing the coming of Jesus, we at FMCI would like to share the spirit of Christmas among people of different faiths, and everyone is always welcome at our hospital irrespective of caste or creed.”
This was followed by the release of the Christmas Bulletin as well as that of the FMCI 2020 Calendar by the chief guest.
In his address, Dr Ulthur said, “I have worked at various health care institutions in Mangaluru, but unfortunately, I didn’t get an opportunity to work at one of the prestigious and renowned institutions which has been serving the suffering humanity for the past 139 years. During this Christmas season, we have a relevant and timely message – Love thy neighbour and be compassionate to others. It is the will of God. Over 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ was born in the humblest place imaginable; an ordinary stable in Bethlehem. God sent his only son to this world of cruelty, nepotism, jealousy, and poverty, to bring his light, into the world of darkness.”
He further said, “It is human, to pray for our own desires, but it is divine, to pray for the needs of others. It is also necessary, that we lift up the needs of our fellow beings in prayer and have faith in the Almighty. All religions, preach the message of love and compassion and hence it is required of us to replicate the same. We also need to emphasize the importance of ‘practice what you preach’.”
The programme proceeded with the singing of Christmas carols, dance performances, and the appearance of Santa Claus who spread joy and laughter among the audience. Later, a lucky draw contest was also conducted by FMCI Administrator Fr Ajith Menezes where the winners received Christmas cakes as rewards.
The entire event was compered by Dr Alveera D’Souza and Dr Abhilash Vasanth. Dr Anvitha delivered the vote of thanks.
FMCI Administrators, Unit Heads, faculty members, and students were all present at the celebrations.
