John Rodrigues

Udupi, Dec 24: The Catholic Sabha of St John the Evangelist Church, Pangala and ‘Sarva Dharma Sauhardha Samiti’ jointly celebrated Christmas on Monday December 22 in the church premises.

The stage was occupied by the leaders of three communities namely most Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the bishop of Udupi diocese, Rtn A S N Hebbar, journalist, laywer, Kundapur, Akbar Ali, trustee, president of Karnataka Shamiyana Okkoota, Bangalore, along with Fr Leslie D'Souza, parish priest of Pangala.

The call for oneness and solidarity among the various religions was the underlying message given by the guests.

The ICYM organization of the Pangala parish arranged a tableau depicting the Christmas story. The tableau proceeded from Katapady to Shirva Manchakal and performed shows at three destinations. This was followed by a cultural programme consisting of carol singing and dance by the children and youth of Christha Mahima Church, Manipura.

The entire programme was filled with the exuberance of Christmas. Around 600 people along with the parishioners of the church gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus with a fraternal spirit. Everyone was elated by the Christmas celebration. The programme was a great success owing to the cooperation of the ‘Sarva Dharma Sauhardha Samiti’ members and the parishioners.