Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 19: “Love is the only solution to all the problems today we are facing in the world," said Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, in a Christmas celebration with the media fraternity on December 19 at Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje.
Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop diocese of Udupi, in his presidential note said, “Christmas is the festival which is celebrated without any discrimination. The day when Jesus Christ was born in a cow shed is celebrated as Christmas. The day when human beings lost humanity and became evil, God sent his child on earth to teach humanity to human beings is Christmas. Angels spread peace and prosperity. Our church will be celebrating silver jubilee in 2025 and preparation for it has begun in 2023 next year is ‘Year of Prayer'. In 2025 on the occasion of silver jubilee we have planned to provide shelter to 50 poor families who lack shelter.”
Ragavendra Nayak, guest relations manager Malabar gold and diamonds, Udupi, said, “Jesus in the form of human beings speared peace, unity and co-operation. Human beings while searching God ask various questions to God, also he may be searching where human beings are, where humanity is. When human beings incorporate humanity, we can see god in him.”
Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, president Udupi district working journalist association, on the occasion said, “I am happy to say that for the last three years I have been sharing this stage with guests. The first life lesson we learnt is from our mother. God is one, various religions took birth, and every saint preached that god is one but religion never showed who is God. Let us do the work of finding God and let us unit together and walk on the path of peace.”
Fr Denis D’Sa, public relation officer Udupi diocese, provided details about the pastoral centre. Udupi diocese was formed 11 years back in 2012. Christmas has been celebrated every year since 2012 in the bishop’s house. This year it was celebrated in the Pastoral centre. The pastoral centre was inaugurated on January 13, 2022. The pastoral centre has all needed facilities. In the entrance of the building there is a structure of Jesus carrying a shepherd. All rooms are named with different Kannada names. The pastoral centre is divided into spiritual, administrative and social, and has 20 commissions. Each commission has a different office, director and staff. The pastoral centre is a huge building with four floors.
Donation cheque was handed over to Udupi press club by Udupi Diocese, for health fund and Harish Suvarna, Udupi district Karnataka Rajyotsava awardee was facilitated on the occasion.
A Christmas cake cutting ceremony was held on the occasion. Cyril Lobo compared the programme. Fr Alwyn Sequeira welcomed the gathering, Michale Rodrigues, media composer Udupi diocese proposed the vote of thanks
Manjunath, assistant director information department, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalvis and others were present.