Media Release

Udupi, Oct 19: The Udupi Catholic diocese has extended warm Diwali greetings to all, wishing that the festival of lights may spread the light of hope across the world.

In its message, the diocese said, “Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes the universal journey from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to new life. May God guide us along this path.”

Highlighting India’s diversity, the statement noted that the country is a land of many religions and cultures where people celebrate different festivals together in unity. It further added that every festival, including Diwali, carries the message of moving from darkness to light and from untruth to truth—encouraging people to overcome evil, hatred, and intolerance with the power of goodness and light.

Sharing a symbolic story, the diocese narrated:

“Once, four candles—Peace, Faith, Love, and Hope—were burning. Peace said, ‘There is so much hatred, jealousy, violence, and intolerance in the world today. There is no point in me burning,’ and it went out. Faith said, ‘People have lost trust and belief in one another; there is no place for me,’ and it too went out. Love said, ‘There is no love left in this world; everyone is self-absorbed,’ and it too extinguished itself. Seeing this, a child began to cry. Then the candle of Hope said, ‘Don’t be afraid, my child. I am Hope, and with my flame, we can relight Peace, Faith, and Love.’”

The message concluded with a call to action: instead of cursing the darkness, be the candle of hope that lights up the world. On this Diwali, let us become lights that build bridges of love, faith, and compassion in place of hatred, mistrust, and violence.

On behalf of the bishop of Udupi diocese, public relations officer Fr Denis D’Sa conveyed heartfelt Diwali greetings to all through this press release.