Newskarnataka-Mangalore
Mangalore :Christmas is a festival that welcomes Jesus Christ, the light of the world and spreads his message of love and brotherhood, said Rev Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore.
He was delivering the Christmas message after inaugurating a Sauharda Christmas-2013 organised at Milagres Hall in Mangalore on December 14, Saturday under the joint aegis of the Mangalore Christian Council, Mangalore Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Chair in Christianity, Karnataka Missions Network, and Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights-Western Zone.
Fr DSouza further called upon the faithful not to forget the traditional Christmas celebrations.
Dr John S Sadananda, Bishop, CSI-Karnataka Southern Diocese who also spoke, said Christmas also spreads the message of harmony and each and every faithful has to discharge his duties efficiently and remember with reverence the sacrifices of the Lord. It is only then that there will be peace in the society, he added.
Rev. Yakob Mar Elias, Metropolitan, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Diocese of Brahmavar and Rev Lawrence Mukkuzy, Bishop Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Beltangady also spoke as chief guests.
The event culminated with several cultural programmes including orchestra, Christmas carols, ballet etc.
Fr Clifford Fernandes welcomed the gathering. FM Lobo proposed the vote of thanks Anitha Veigas and Rev Thomas Chindwal compered the programme.