Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Dec 23: Conveying his Christmas message on Tuesday December 23 at the Bishop's House here, bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza urged people to cultivate the virtues of patience, forgiveness and compassion. He also called upon people to maintain harmony and make united efforts to keep the city peaceful.

The bishop informed that the Mangaluru Diocese has built 24 houses at Mariashrama, Talapady, which were donated as Christmas gift to the very poor and needy families of the diocese.

The bishop further said, "The diocese has decided to provide Christmas meals to 200 people of various Ashrams on December 28 at the Bishop's House."

Stressing on the significance of the festival, he said, "The Christmas festival is not confined to one community. Christ was born in this world for the unity, integrity and development of the entire human race, so that we may all attain heavenly peace. The celebration of the birth of Christ becomes more meaningful when all join together for the celebration."

The bishop expressed his deep anguish and sorrow for the children who became victims of a terrorist attack in Peshwar of Pakistan and prayed that God may grant strength and courage to the parents and dear ones of those who were killed in attack.

At this juncture, he said that the beatuiful Mangaluru, once known for its peace and unity, is now turning into a place of violence, unrest, communal disharmony and constant fights.

He called upon the people to unite and maintain peace and harmony, so that this beautiful city of Mangaluru regains its place of peaceful co-existence in the world.

"Let this Christmas feast be a festival to all, so that Christ who came into this world in the form of a human being, show us the path of peace and unity to attain heavenly bliss. During the festival season, I call upon and request all the people to commit themselves to maintaining peace in the city. Let all the government officials, local MLAs, administrators at all levels put their efforts to end this disharmony," he added.

The occasion was celebrated with a cake.

Mangaluru diocese public relation officer Fr William Menezes welcomed the guests, while diocesan general secretary M P Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Raymond D'Cunha compered the ceremony.

Vicar general of Mangaluru diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Marcel Monteiro, Elias Fernandes and others were also present.