Lions Club Moodubelle Celebrates Christmas and Observes Charter Nite

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 16 Dec 2023: The Lions Club of Moodubelle celebrated Christmas and observed Charter Nite in the 26th year of its service to the society on Friday, 15 December 2023 with great enthusiasm and fervour. The official visit of the Second Vice District Governor (VDG) Ln. Mohammad Haneef, pmjf to the club and  the inauguration of the renovated Bus Stand at Nellikatte were the additional programmes of the day.

 

The programme of the day commenced at 6 pm with the inauguration of the renovated Bus Stand at Nellikatte. The widening of the road made the renovation of the Bus Stand necessary. The Bus Stand was erected when Ln. Rajendra Shetty was the President of the Lions Club, Moodubelle, Ln. Vinod Castelino, Secretary and Ln. Martin Kotian-Treasurer in the year 2011-12. They came forward to sponsor the renovation of the Bus Stand.

 

The Bus Stand was jointly inaugurated by Ln. Mohammad Haneef, Region Chairman Rishikesh Hegde who unveiled the Bus Stand and Mrs. Divya Acharthi, President of Belle Grama Panchayat who cut the ribbon. Mrs.Shreemathi Shetty, the local Panchayat member was present along with a number of Lion members and invitees.

 

 

Following the inauguration of the Bus Stand at Nellikatte, the Christmas celebration was inaugurated by Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle by unveiling the Crib in the Lions Seva Bhavan premises prepared by the Leo members. The Leo members and the Choir of the church sang few Christmas Carols as part of the inauguration of the Christmas celebration.

 

As the guests entered the auditorium, they had a taste of the Christmas Sweets (Kuswaar) prepared and arranged by Mrs. Anitha Alva.

 

The stage programme commenced at 7pm presided over by Ln. Joseph Martis, President of the Lions Club, Moodubelle. Other dignitaries on the dais included Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Ln. Mohammad Haneef, Ln. Rishikesh Hegde, Ln. Ivan D’Almeida-Zone Chairman, Ln. Valerian Noronha-Secretary, Ln. Rajendra Shetty-Treasurer and Leo Ethan Martis-President of the Leo Club, Moodubelle.

 

Following the prayer and other Lions Club formalities, Ln. Joseph Martis welcomed the guests.

 

The sweetness of the Christmas season was shared by cutting the decorated cake by the dignitaries on the dais.

 

 

Delivering the Christmas message, Fr. Pradeep Cardoza said that Christmas is not confined to Christians only, it is the festival of the world. Jesus Christ was born in a manger surrounded by cattle and sheep. He manifested Himself to the poorest of the poor, the shepherds and the rich Magi (Three Kings) who followed the Star and came and worshipped Him with rich gifts. With examples, Fr. Pradeep touched upon the link between the celebration of Christmas with Deepavali and Eid. Fr. Pradeep further said that Christmas is the festival of peace, love and service and  Lions Clubs spread these values among the people of the world.

 

Charter Nite was observed by the dignitaries garlanding the Charter. Two of the three Charter members-Ln. Cyril D’Souza and Ln. Devadas Hebbar were present.

 

Ln. Devadas Hebbar introduced Ln. Mohammad Haneef who was felicitated by the dignitaries.

 

In his address, Ln. Mohammad Haneef appreciated the way the Lions Club of Moodubelle celebrated the Christmas. He said that Christmas is the festival of humanity with the message of peace and love which is very essential in modern world. He further said that while we celebrate any festival we should share our joy and happiness with our neighbours. Ln. Mohammad Haneef greatly appreciated the leadership of Ln. Joseph Martis as the president of the Lions Club, Moodubelle.

 

 

Ln. Rishikesh hedge and Ln. Ivan D’Almeida gave their respective messages on this occasion.

 

The Leo members and the Choir of the Church presented Carols.

 

Fr. Pradeep Cardoza as well as Region Chairman Ln. Rishikesh Hede and his wife were felicitated on this occasion. 

 

Ln. Valerian Noronha proposed the vote of thanks and Ln. Ivan Menezes coordinated and compered the entire programme. 

 

The decoration of the Lions Seva Bhavan with colourful lights, the stars, the Christmas sweetws (Kuswaar) and the presence of Santa Claus made the celebration of Christmas much more attractive and meaningful.