Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 25: St Sebastian Church, Bendur joyfully celebrated the Christmas Jubilee on December 22 near the Lions Club Grounds, Kadri. The grand celebration witnessed an overwhelming gathering of parishioners, people from neighboring areas, and members of different communities, making it a true expression of Christmas joy, unity, and fraternity.
The celebration began on a festive note with the St Sebastian Church Brass Band, which welcomed the gathering with melodious Christmas tunes. This was followed by a prayerful Christmas hymn rendered by the children’s choir, setting a reverent and joyful tone for the evening. The Bethany Convent sisters then presented a graceful prayer dance, beautifully conveying the spirit of Christmas through movement and devotion.
Fr Arun Lobo, principal of Padua College, extended a warm welcome to all present. Sr Shubha, superior of Bethany Convent, introduced the dignitaries of the evening. The chief guests were Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director of Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, and Arun Prabha, general manager (Technical), Mangaluru Smart City Limited, who graced the occasion along with Fr Walter D’Souza, parish vicar, assistant priests, vice president, secretary, and other parish leaders.
The Christmas Jubilee was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries by symbolically switching on the revolving jubilee emblem, signifying light, hope, and renewal. This was followed by the cutting of the Christmas cake, marking the traditional and joyous spirit of the festival.
A deeply touching highlight of the celebration was the distribution of financial assistance as a gesture of Christmas sharing and compassion. Cheques of Rs 25,000 each were presented to Priscilla Pinto, a cancer patient; Sujatha Shetty, in need of support for house construction; and Thaira, a dialysis patient.
This meaningful act truly reflected the essence of Christmas—love, care, and generosity towards the needy.
In his message, Arun Prabha appreciated the parish for celebrating Christmas in a unique and inclusive manner, bringing together people of all religions and backgrounds. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, in his inspiring address, explained the deeper meaning of Bandutva—bonding and brotherhood—and emphasized that true Christmas lies in sharing, caring for neighbors, and loving one another.
The celebration was further enriched by vibrant cultural performances. Children from St Theresa School and the senior citizens presented a meaningful dance drama on the message of Christmas. Soulful carol singing by the Bethany sisters, youth choir, and Konkani choir in multiple languages captivated the audience. Energetic Christmas dance performances by Padua PU students added color and enthusiasm to the evening. The joyful entry of Santa Claus brought cheer and excitement, especially among the children.
The event was graced by the presence of several local leaders, whose participation added significance to the celebration. Prominent among them were Kudpi Arvind Shenoy Lions district governor, Pradeep D’Souza deputy director of the district youth empowerment and sports department, Naveen D’Souza MCC corporator Vinayak Pai chairman of Kanara Builders Association, Anil Lobo chairman of MCC Bank, Praveen Chandra Alva MCC corporator, Stany Alvares president of Konkani Sahitya Academy, Pius Rodrigues director of Pollution Control Board, Sunil Bajilakeri social worker and many others. Their presence underscored the strong bond between the parish and the wider community.
Fr Walter D’Souza, parish vicar, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to making the celebration a grand success. Patsy Britto, parish secretary, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of organizers, volunteers, performers, sponsors, and all those who participated. The programme was ably compered by Arun D’Souza.
The Christmas Jubilee celebration concluded on a joyful note, leaving behind cherished memories of faith, fellowship, charity, and true Christmas spirit, making it a meaningful and memorable occasion for all present.