Pics: Edgar Cardoza

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 23: Sauharda (Harmony) all-religion Christmas was celebrated at Mother of Sorrows Church here on Tuesday December 22 with the coming together of people belonging to different religions. It was organized by Sauharda Samiti.

Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Fr Gerald Isaac Lobo, who presided over the function, said that God came to earth and lived amongst ordinary people in human form. Therefore, he gave a call to everyone to see God in others and see their own reflections in them. 

Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji of Puthige Math inaugurated the celebrations and delivered message of peace. He said that when religious leaders of different communities come together and people from different religions unite, a message of universal brotherhood stands conveyed to people of all religions. He felt that such gestures can spread peace globally. Recollecting that Lord Krishna had spread principles of peace, love, brotherhood and harmonious coexistence, he stressed that it is the duty of everyone to stick to these principles. He asked everyone to come together to set an example to the society by spreading message of mutual love, peace, and brotherhood.

President of Forum for Humanity, Muhammed Yasin Malpe, asked people to set aside differences and cherish principles of 'love thy neighbour', 'love your enemies', and love others as Jesus did' propagated by Jesus. Kallianpur Milagres College professor, Vincent Alva, and Theodore Karkada of Korangrapady Church of South India Christa Jyoti Church, brought before the gathering the instances where Jesus loved, sacrificed, and died for others. Convener of Sauharda Samiti Alphonse D'Costa, Catholic Sabha president Benedicta Fernandes, Gracian Buthello of parish council, and Nityananda Volakadu, general secretary of Nagarika Samiti, which created the bell, were present.

The bell was inaugurated by Bishop Dr Gerald, by pressing the button.

Fr Baptist Menezes Udupi, Fr Lawrence D'Souza, secretary, Catholic Education Society, Fr Royson Fernandes, assistant parish priest here, and William Martis, were among those present on the occasion.

On this occasion, cultural programmes were presented by children from different schools and the youth from local parish.

Chief priest of the church, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, welcomed. Convener of Sauharda Samiti, Muhammed Maula, proposed vote of thanks. Vinay Suvarna compered the programme.