Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 22: The diocese of Udupi celebrated Christmas get-together with the media fraternity on December 20. Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, women police station sub inspector Violet Femina, Udupi District Working Journalists Association president Rajesh Shetty, Udupi district information department officer Manjunath and PRO of Udupi diocese Fr Chethan Lobo, and Udupi diocese media coordinator Michael Rodrigues cut the cake and shared the Christmas joy with the media fraternity.
Journalists Subhashchandra Wagle and U S Shenoy were honoured on the occasion for their notable service in the field of journalism.
Addressing the gathering after receiving the felicitation Subhashchandra Wagle, chief reporter of Kannada Prabha said, “We have been very grateful to be associated with the diocese of Udupi. For the past 10 years, the diocese has organized the Christmas get-together programme without fail. Being in the news media, sometimes we have even crossed our boundaries. Noticing the heat of the moment in the society, this type of programmes become a bridge for harmony. Other religious leaders also should take this as an example and should celebrate their festivals with different stake holders of the society.”
Sub inspector Violet Femina said, “The news of the birth of Jesus was shared by angles to the world. In the present scenario, media plays the role of a messenger. Media has been reporting the issues happening around us. While doing so, journalists should give importance for the factual information and try to maintain the society’s peace.”
In his presidential address, Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi said, “Christmas is a festival celebrated by the entire world’s population without the boundaries of religion and caste. Christmas gives us the message of peace and love. Lord sent His only Son to the world for His people. From Bethlehem to Golgotta, Jesus had to go through many difficulties. Jesus Christ who was born 2,000 years ago proved that God will be living within us all the time. No one knew about Bethlehem those days. Jesus was born in a manger surrounded by sheep and donkeys. The society declined to receive its creator. Christmas is an inspiration to build a new society. Let our relationship be filled with love and affection.”
Fr Chethan Lobo, PRO, diocese of Udupi read the portfolio of the award recipients. Fr Royson Fernandes, editor, Uzwaad fortnightly compered the programme. Michael Rodrigues, media coordinator, diocese of Udupi proposed the vote of thanks.
Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest, Udupi, Fr Vincent Crasta, secretary, Catholic Education Society Udupi, Fr Herald Pereira, Fr William Martis and other priests and media persons were present.
A fellowship meal was also organized.
Christmas celebration restricted to Holy Mass: Bishop
"The Christmas celebration will be held complying with the state government Covid guidelines. More importance will be given to the celebration of Holy Mass," said Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo.
Speaking to the media he said, "Christmas is celebrated without any boundaries of religion and caste. Jesus Christ came as a messenger of peace. The third wave of Covid is being detected worldwide. In view of the current situation, we have given more importance to the Holy Mass this year. The number of Holy Masses to be held in churches have also been increased to avoid the rush during the service. No entertainment programmes will be held after the Holy Mass. Covid guidelines will be followed during the Holy Mass. This year it will be a simple Christmas celebration.”