Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Dec 23: Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza on Saturday December 23 in his Christmas message called upon the people to strengthen family bonds
Addressing Christmas celebration with members of the media, the bishop said, "Jesus Christ was born in a manger in a small village named Bethlehem to Mother Mary. St Joseph was his foster father. They were poor but leading a holy life. Hence our families too must inculcate the virtues of the holy family."
"Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation 'Amoris Laetitia' ('the joy of love') says that families are first and foremost an opportunity. Pope has given three golden rules to make our families feel like a real family. Family should pray together, switch off TV, mobiles and computer for one hour everyday and devote time for their family, and use three words, namely please, thank you, and sorry in dealing with family members. Our families should be temples of love, joy and compassion.
"Pope Francis while celebrating the first world day of the poor on November 19 said, 'Let us love not in word but in deeds'. Keeping in mind the call given by the Pope, the diocese of Mangaluru had made arrangements to provide free drinking water facility last year and in the coming year we are planning to provide fridge where people can donate food and fruits and the hungry can take them for free. Further, the Mangaluru diocese is hosting a dinner for the poor at Milagres Church ground, " he said.
Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general, Fr Henry Sequeira, chancellor, Fr William Menezes, PRO, M P Noronha, secretary, diocesan pastoral council, Marcel Monteiro, PRO, Raymond D'Cunha, Elias Fernandes of Four Winds and others were present.
Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo wishes Christmas filled with love, joy and peace
Udupi, Dec 22: "May this Christmas encourage those who campaign for joy, love and peace," said bishop of Udupi Catholic diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his message ahead of Christmas celebrations.
The birth and life of Jesus reminds us not to surrender to distrust, suspicion and disappointment in the present atmosphere of neglect, racism, terrorism, violence, bloodshed and uncertainty. The men and women in all religions have the desire to unite, condemn impatience and discrimination and establish peace, he said.
"Jesus, the son of God took birth in the world to wipe away falsehood and preserve truth, to drive away darkness and to release men from the bleak shackles of death. Jesus not only connected man with God but also through his principles allowed love to bloom among mankind," he said.
The birth of Jesus brought happiness among all people on earth. Christmas marks the greatest event where God sent his only son to earth. Jesus lived among us and died for us on the crucifix to free us from sin. This emphasizes the love God has for his people, he said.
"Pope Francis has said that God does not give a gift to those who are unable to receive. God has given the gift of Christmas to us because we have the capacity to realize and receive it. The birth of Jesus then and now is a gift of peace to the world," he said.
Christmas is a feast of love and harmony. May the joy of celebrations spread in our hearts and minds. Let us all give up enmity and be sacrificing, service oriented and selfless. Let us learn the language of sympathy and teach that to others, said the Bishop while conveying his Christmas wishes.