Moodubelle: Christmas Souharda Rally spreads the message of peace and love

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 23 Dec 2023: The Christmas Souharda Rally organized by the ICYM and YCS members along with the parishioners of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle  on Saturday, 23 December 2023 from 5.30 pm to 7 pm aimed at spreading the Christmas message of peace and love among the villagers belonging to different faiths and beliefs.

 

The Christmas Rally commenced at 5.30 pm as Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest of Moodubelle along with Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest and Pundalik Marathe, one of the speakers in the rally flagged off the bike rally. Fr. George D’Souza along with Pundalik Marathe led the rally as ICYM, YCS members and other parishioners wearing red dress and Christmas cap rode on their bikes or scooters. In the middle of the rally there was the vehicle carrying the live tableau of the Crib. The rally went up to Kuntalnagar and turned back to Moodubelle.

 

People gathered in the empty space in front of the Karnataka Bank where a brief programme was held highlighting the Christmas Souharda.

 

 

At the outset, Fr. Pradeep Cardoza explained the live tableau of the Crib which was well presented by the youth of the parish.

 

Following the welcome address by Mrs. Maria Barboza, teacher of the St. Lawrence English Medium School, Fr. George D’Souza, Pundalik Marathe, Devadas Hebbar and Mrs. Divya Acharthi-President of the Belle Grama Panchayat sliced the Christmas Cake as the symbol of sweetness of the Christmas festival.

 

In his message, the representative of the Muslim community, Mohammad Khalid of Manipur-Vice President of the Muslim Okkuta, Udupi said that the need of the time is better understanding and goodwill among the people belonging to different religious communities. He narrated the respectful references to Jesus Christ and Mother Mary in the  Quran, the Holy Book of the Muslims. He appreciated the solidarity that was shown by both Hindus and Christians after the incident of murder of members of a Muslim family at Nejar near Kallianpur.

 

Pundalika Marathe, former teacher, journalist and President of Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Kaup Taluk,  in his Christmas message pointed out the importance of education in Mother tongue so that the culture of different languages such as Kannada, Tulu, Konkani and Byari could be preserved. He further said that India is a country of diverse faiths and cultures. There should be mutual respect for every religion and culture. Pundalik Marathe said that among various instances, God is to be found among the poor and one can worship God by through service to the poor. He gave the example of St. Theresa of Kolkota (Mother Theresa) who worked among the poor and sick which earned her not only the title of Bharat Ratna and Nobel Prize, but also sainthood. He conveyed the greetings of Christmas to all present.

 

Mrs. Divya Acharthi also conveyed her best wishes on the occasion of the Christmas celebration to all the villagers.

 

 

The Church Choir sang few Christmas Carols and the children along with four Santa Clauses danced with joy of the Christmas.

 

Valerian Noronha-Convener of the  Youth Commission proposed the vote of thanks.

 

Pritish D’Sa-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Charles Quadros-Secretary, Mrs. Gracy Rebello-Convner of the 20 Commissions, Vincent Fernandes-Animator of the Youth, Miss Wyona Lobo-President of the ICYM were present, Ln. Joseph Martis-President of the Lions Club, Moodubelle and a number of parishioners and villagers were present.