Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Dec 19: The diocese of Udupi on Saturday December 19 celebrated Christmas with the media fraternity. Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, the bishop of the diocese presided over the function.

In his address, the bishop said, "Many have lost jobs and have become homeless due to Covid-19 and lockdown. During the covid-19 pandemic, the diocese helped naerly 9,000 families and 30,000 individuals with food kits, more than 3000 migrants have been helped. Many are provided shelter and basic facilities at our educational institutions. In all our 52 churches of the diocese, Rs 40 lac has been spent on migrants and more than Rs 63 lac has been spent on food kits. More than Rs 15 lac was spent for the destitute. This is done for our beloved brothers and sisters considering humanity.

"Covid-19 is not over yet. We have to be careful in these times. The diocese has decided to celebrate Christmas and New year with much simplicity this time. All the unnecessary expenses will be cut down and amount will be used to help the destitute. All the Christian families in the diocese should follow the same. This Christmas will be against all the outside celebrations, it will be a more holistic celebration.

"Doctors, nurses, health workers and police personnel have been called covid warriors. Amidst all the fake news flow during Covid-19 pandemic, reporters have strived to give realistic news. You are also covid warriors. Civil society is grateful to all of you. On October 4, Pope Francis delivered an apostolic letter to the world. He called all the brethren as brothers and sisters. Basavanna has also given the same message. Four years back the Pope had called the faithful to prserve, promote and protect the environment. We should overcome our religious, political, caste, region, culture and all other barriers and should come together as a world community under the value of humanity. Let Christmas be a festive season of love, a ray of hope, and a shelter of peace. Let every day of the new year be filled with prosperity and happiness."

Udupi district Rajyotsava Award winning journalists Uday S Padiyar, Shreepathi Hegde and the newly elected member of Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy Nazeer Polya were honored on the occasion.

Udupi district working journalist association president, Ganesh Prasad Pandelu expressed his gratitude for organizing this get-together and wished that they continue the same for upcoming years too.

'Chethana - Chintana', a book of works by Fr Chethan Lobo, Capuchin was also launched on the occasion.

Guests on the dais celebrated the Christmas joy by cutting a cake.

Fr Charles Menezes, the parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi, Fr Chethan Lobo, Capuchin PRO of the diocese of Udupi, Michael Rodrigues, media co-ordinator, Fr Valerian Mendonca, rector of Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur and others were awarded on the occasion.

Fr Royson Fernandes, the editor of Uzwaad fortnightly compered the programme.

Fr Chethan Lobo welcomed the gathering, Michael Rodrigues rendered the vote of thanks.