Mangaluru, December 18: “Christmas Souharda Koota” was organized at Milagre’s hall here on Wednesday, December 17th by the Mangaluru Diocese episcopal city zone nurturing association.
Dr Hannibal Cabral, principal of the city-based Karnataka Theological College, Balmatta, addressing the audience, said, the whole world rejoiced when Jesus was born. The shepherds had the first privilege of witnessing the good tiding. The birth of Jesus was symbolic. We have to love one another in order to make this Christmas meaningful. We have to dedicate our life for others and spread the message of peace in this Christmas season, he said.
Prof Prabhakar Neermarga, deputy registrar, Mangalore University, said, “Jesus spread the message of peace and love to the world. The birth of Jesus is celebrated throughout India as a national festival. In the world where there is corruption, terrorism and violence, Jesus needs to be born again to create peace in society. Christmas is a feast of happiness and brotherhood”.
Mohammad Kunhi, director, Shanti Prakash, said, “Jesus taught us humanity. Our ancestors lacked the facilities which we have today but they lived a peaceful life. Today we have everything but no peace. People cared for one other but now they have become sadists.
Speaking about the attack on children in Pakistan’s Peshawar, he said that the entire world came together to mourn for the deceased irrespective of religion.
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, said, “Christmas is celebrated all over the globe and Jesus came with the message of love and peace. Jesus followed the message of ‘Sharing and Caring’. Serving the downtrodden is serving God. Jesus asked to love one another. But we are filled with jealous, hatred and anger. In the present world, we have to spread the message of peace,said the bishop.
Fr J B Crasta welcomed the gathering. The program was compered by John D’Silva.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Arun Raj Rodrigues.
Dinakar Shetty- Circle inspector, Anil Lobo- president, episcopal city varado, religious fathers and sisters were present among others in the function.
