Catholic Sabha organizes All Religious Christmas Celebration to foster Communal Harmony

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 29 Dec 2016: “In society what we sow that we reap. That is why everyone in the society should learn to live in the society with love, compassion and harmony”, said Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Professor in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. He was speaking as the chief guest at the ‘All Religious Christmas celebration’ jointly organized by the Catholic Sabha of Udupi Pradesh and Udupi Unit in the premises of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi.

 

Continuing his message, Fr. Clifford said, “Today there are people who are ready to die for faith and community, but number of persons  who learn to live for their and work for their religion and community is dwindling. People should understand that religion is a way of life. However, many forget about the teachings of their respective religions while speaking about their own caste and community. In modern times, man has forgotten humanity which has led to many problems in society. In order to prevent adverse effects of such trend, it is important to organize communal harmony programmes at frequent intervals. Instead of loving the brother that one can see, worshipping the invisible God has no meaning. Along with wiping the tears from the eyes of those who suffer, it is important to spread the message of love and compassion.”

 

 

Fr. Clifford Fernandes inaugurated the programme by lighting the Christmas Tree.

 

The Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Fr. Fred Mascarenahs presided over the programme. Dr. Niketana, Assistant Professor of First Grade Government College Post Graduate Centre, Tenkanidiyooru, Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Director of Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh, Janab Akbar Ali, member of Jamat-e-Islami Hind State Advisory Committee spoke at his programme.

 

The chief attractions of the programme were the exhibition of gigantic Christmas Tree and the Crib, lighted stars, cultural programme from the students of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor, Udupi Church Choir and  Students from St. Mary’s English Medium High School, Kannarpady. Distribution of gifts by Santa Claus and sharing of Christmas cake with the participants in the programme were other added attractions of the All Religious Christmas celebration.

 

Valerian Fernandes, President of Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh, Mrs. Benedicta D’Souza, President of Catholic Sabha, Udupi Unit and Boniface D’Souza, Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi were on the dais.

 

Alphonse D’Costa, convener of Souhardha Samiti welcomed the guests, Mohammad Moula, member of the Souhardha Samiti proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs. Clara Mathias compeered the programme.