Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 15: The Ecumenical Christmas Sauhardha programme was held at Cascia Church Hall, Morgan’s Gate, Mangaluru, on the evening of December 14.

The event was jointly organised by the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCHFHUR - Western Zone) and the Mangaluru Christian Council.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru, presided over the celebration and delivered a heartfelt message of peace and harmony for a wounded world. He praised the performers for their captivating presentations of the Christmas message through dance, songs, and skits.

“Christmas is a time of gifts. God so loved the world that he gave his only son as a gift to us. We are members of the body of Christ, and he has taught us how to be divine. When Jesus is in front of us, we don’t need anyone to remind us to be humane. Christmas invites us not only to give gifts but to be a gift to others. Spend your time as a gift to the elderly, the sick, and those in ashrams. A little time spent with such people is the greatest gift. Share joy through your presence, and in doing so, you will find joy,” he said, extending his wishes for a joyful Christmas.

Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese, emphasised the message of harmony that Christmas inspires. “May this friendship remain with all people. May we live in harmony with the blessings of Christ and be a blessing to one another as the New Year approaches,” he said.

His grace Yakub Mar Elias, Bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Brahmavar Diocese, and Dr Geevarghees Mar Makarios, Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Diocese of Puttur, also spoke on the occasion, sharing their greetings and best wishes for the Christmas celebrations.

The programme began with a prayer service led by Charles S, diocesan vicar of the believers Eastern Church for Karnataka and Goa, who invoked God’s blessings. The celebration was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by the esteemed bishops and religious provincials in attendance.

Among those present were Maxim Noronha, vicar general of the Mangalore diocese; Sr Lilly Pereira, provincial superior of Bethany; Sr Leena V J, provincial superior of SRA; Eric Crasta, along with numerous priests, pastors, religious sisters, and members of the public.

Children and youth from various churches presented cultural programmes, including carols and dances. The highlight of the evening was a Bharatanatyam performance by Remona Pereira, a nationally acclaimed dancer and recipient of an award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dinner was served to all attendees, adding to the festive spirit.

The programme was organised by Rupesh Madtha, Prabhuraj M, Goldin J Bangera, and Dr K V Sebastian, along with the members of the Ecumenical commission of the Mangalore Diocese. The event was compered by Anila D'Sa and Theresa Pereira.