From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Nov 3: Archbishop of Bangalore Most Rev Dr Peter Machado has extended Deepavali greetings to the people and said the sacredness of divine light has the power to expel the darkness of selfishness, avarice, animosity and hatred and fill our lives with the light of love, mercy and compassion needed to lead a meaningful life.

The Archbishop, who is also the President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC), prayed that the festival of lights illuminate the minds, enlighten the hearts and strengthen the human bonds.

“Let each one’s earnest plea to God, on this happy occasion be, ‘Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya’ (Lead me from darkness to light), as stated in Brihadaranyaka Upanishads. Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World also exhorts us, in Mathew’s Gospel: “You are the light of the World. Make your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mathew 5:16),’’ the Archbishop said.

Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Pope Francis, Archbishop Machado said the entire nation, especially the Catholic Community, is greatly delighted to know of this historic personal meeting of our Prime Minister with Pope Francis on October 30 and his cordial invitation to the Pope Francis to visit India.

“While appreciating his goodwill in inviting His Holiness to our country, we wish that the Pope’s visit to India is made possible and that it will happen in the near future,’’ the Archbishop added.