Pics: Joshwa D''Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 19: "The diocese of Mangaluru under the leadership of social concern committee of the diocesan pastoral council will to hold a mega vehicle rally on Wednesday, December 21 to mark Christmas celebrations in Mangaluru diocese," said Fr Oneil D''souza, the convener of the rally.
Addressing media persons here on Monday December 19, "As part of the Christmas celebrations across the globe, the diocese is organising a mammoth rally, in which about 5,000 people in more than 1,000 vehicles from five deaneries in and around the city are expected to participate. The rally will culminate at Milagres Church premises and the vehicles will be parked in the Milagres school grounds."
The rally will proceed in four routes:
A) Thokkottu-Pumpwell-Kankanady-Falnir-Milagres (vehicles from Nagori and Bajal will join at Pumpwell. Vehicles from Cassia, Jeppu and Valencia will join at Kankanady).
B) Suratkal, Tannirbavi, Kulur, Ashokanagar, Urva-Lalbagh-PVS-Bunts Hostel-Jyoti-Milagres. (vehicles from Bondel, Derebail, Bejai will join the rally at Lalbagh.
C) Vamanjoor, Fermai, Kelarai, Paldane, Shaktinagar, Kulshekar-Nanthoor-Bendore-Balmatta-Jyoti-Milagres (vehicles from Bajjodi and Bendore will join the rally on the way).
D) Rosario-A B Shetty circle-Milagres.
"Only two-wheelers and four-wheelers will be used in the rally and the people are expected to wear the Santa Claus caps," Fr Oneil said.
At Milagres Church grounds, three Christmas carols (in Konkani, Kannada and English) will be sung with lighted candles in hand. A tableau depicting the teachings of Jesus will also be presented at the venue. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru will deliver the Christmas message. The venue will be decorated with a giant star and Christmas tree," he said.
"As part of this celebration, on December 23, the bishop will distribute ''Kuswar'' and clothes to the inmates of St Anthony''s home, festive items to the families of people affected by HIV/AIDS and construction material to build a house to the poor family," he added.
Fr Ronald D’Souza, director of ICYM Mangaluru diocese, M P Noronha, secretary of Mangaluru diocese pastrol council, Godwin Pinto, covenor of political awareness wing of Catholic Sabha, Vincent Mascarenhas from media commitee and others were present.