Udupi/M’Belle, 07 Dec : Lions Clubs of Lions District 317C celebrated Christmas at Lions Seva Bhavan, Moodubelle on Saturday, 7 December 2019 at 7 pm with Christmas Messages from Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle and Ln. V.G. Shetty, Lions District Governor.
The Christmas celebration commenced with the ceremonial reception accorded to District Governor Ln. V.G. Shetty and his wife with coloured canopies to the accompaniment of firecrackers.
The programme of Christmas celebration commenced with the welcome dance presented by the students of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor.
Following the welcome address by Ln. Melwyn Aranha from Shirva Lions Club, the Coordinator of Lions District Christmas Celebration, Fr. Clement Mascarenahs along with Governor Ln. V.G. Shetty and other dignitaries on the dais cut the Christmas cake as the members of the St. Lawrence Church Choir led by Leo Joy Fernandes presented Christmas Carols.
The arrival of eagerly expected Santa Clause was applauded by all, especially the children who were treated with chocolates and candies.
In his Christmas message, Fr. Clement Mascarenahs said that Christmas is not confined to Christian alone. The message of Christmas is meant for the entire humanity. Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born as human baby when there was no peace on the earth as kingdoms were fighting against each other. Jesus Christ came to this world to establish peace and love. The essence of the teachings of Jesus Christ is the love of God and love of one another. The true meaning of love is self sacrifice, giving to the others and sharing with one another.
As a part of service activity, financial aid was handed over to Sr. Ancilla Fernandes, Headmistress of Manasa.
Governor Ln. V.G. Shetty felicitated all those who had sponsored the celebration of Christmas.
Speaking on this occasion as the chief guest of the Christmas Celebration, Governor Ln. V.G. Shetty expressed happiness to be a part of the Christmas Celebration and especially appreciated the efforts of Ln. Melwyn Aranha and his team in organizing such a meaningful function with the cooperation of the Lions Club of Moodubelle. He further said that celebration of festivals of different communities has been on of the chief objectives of the Lions Clubs International. Christmas celebration helps in reviving the message of Jesus Christ, the message of love, compassion and peace. Ln. V.G. Shetty also said that Christmas cannot be one day celebration, but a celebration that should continue throughout the lives of individuals.
Ln. Melwyn Aranha along with Ln. Anil D’Souza auctioned the Christmas Cake through American Auction system.
Ln. Vishwanath Shetty, Second Vice District Governor and Ln. Dr. Madhusudan Hegde, District Mentor complmented Ln. Melwyn Aranha for organizing the Christmas celebration in a grand scale with the cooperation of the Lions Club of Moodubelle.
Ln. Praksshchandra, District Events Coordinator proposed the vote of thanks.
Ln. Norbert Machado of Shirva anchored the programme with precision and excellent time management.
While the Choir from St. Lawrence Church presented Christmas Carols, the students of Manasa presented Christmas Tableau.