Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 23: Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza in his Christmas message on Friday December 23 called upon every person to give importance to rainwater harvesting and protect the environment in accordance with the message of Pope Francis, and also informed that the diocese of Mangaluru has adopted 'Go green and protect the environment' as the motto for the year 2017.
Addressing media persons at his residence after cutting the cake as part of Christmas celebration, bishop Dr Aloysius said, "Jesus Christ was born in a manger surrounded by domestic animals in a small village named Bethlehem in the town of Jerusalem. Being born in a family surrounded by a clean, non-polluted environment, Jesus Christ taught his followers to be free from all types of uncleanliness and become pure within and outside of themselves. The teachings of Jesus are relevant even to this day.
"In the Bishop's House compound at Kodialbail, water harvesting has been initiated with both borewell and open well, and the compound look lush green with plants and trees. Moreover, the churches and the diocese of Mangaluru have been instructed to take up water harvesting and nurturing greenery seriously," he said.
The bishop further said that he will send a circular to all the parish priests and heads of the institutions requesting them to instruct their laity to discourage them from bursting all types of fireworks during festivities and celebrations in order to protect the nature from noise and air pollution.
He also informed that he has taken up the construction of St Joseph Vaz home, a home for the retired priests of the diocese of Mangaluru which will be beautified with greenery and planting of saplings of varieties of fruits and vegetables.
PRO and estate manager of the diocese Fr William Menezes welcomed the gathering while secretary of the diocesan pastoral council M P Noronha thanked. Raymond D'cunha compered the programme.
Vicar general of the diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, chancellor Fr Henry Sequiera, PRO Marcel Monteiro, Elias Fernandes of Four Winds Mass Communication and others were present.
Udupi: Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo stresses on sharing
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Dec 23: "Christmas is a feast where the almighty God gifted his only son to this world. When Jesus was born in this world, three wise men from distant places came searching for the divine child and offered their presents. A gift or present does not mean only receiving. It is more about giving. In the eyes of God, nobody should remain hungry, thirsty, without clothing or shelter. Christmas calls upon those who have resources to share them among the poor," said bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his message on Christmas this year.
"Though celebrations of Christmas differ in other parts of the world, the message of Jesus Christ is the same. Christmas proclaims that He is the symbol of peace, love, help and harmony. He is the divine star who reincarnated for all groups of people. It is meaningful to celebrate Christmas which proclaims the message of peace and love at a time when there is persecution, fear, terrorism, agony, violence, riots and inequality around us.
"Christmas proclaims the depth of God's love and message of peace. In the present society in which humanity has vanished, the birth of God and complete human being is an opportunity to strengthen and uphold our freedom, peace, tranquility and justice.
"Every Christmas feast brings certain hope for humanity. The teachings of Jesus Christ emphasizing peace, love and humanity are the solutions for the present day problems in society and the country. Jesus was with us yesterday, is with us today, and will remain so till eternity. His name 'Immanuel' means that God is with us. May this Christmas bring about peace and understanding once again in the world.
"I wish you a Merry Christmas. May the humility of the three wise men who saw infant Jesus and the devotion of Mother Mary who brought the messiah to the world fill your lives with contentment," bishop Lobo said.