Bangalore: Kristhotsava 2007 Celebrated with Great Devotion
from Jessie Rodrigues
for Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SM)
Day I Photo Album I: Click Here
Day I Photo Album II: Click Here
Bangalore, Nov 14: Kristhotsava 2007, a three-day programme, the celebration of Christ, was organized by the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishop’s Council (KRCBC) Good Shepherd Convent Auditorium, Museum Road here from Thursday November 8 to Saturday November 10.
For Thursday November 8 the theme was telling the story of Jesus to self.
The bishops from 11 Catholic dioceses of Karnataka along with the delegates arrived to the city on Thursday November 8 morning, to participate in the Congress. Over 1,200 people including the bishops, priests, nuns, religious, people from other faiths, lay people participated in this programme.
Oswald Cardinal Gracias, CCBI president had inaugural Eucharistic Celebration, declaring the Congress open.
Archbishop Bernard Moras of archdiocese of Bangalore, Bishop Peter Machard of Belgaum, Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Beltangady, Bishop Joseph Arumachadath of Bhadravathi, Bishop Thomasappa Anthonyswamy of Chikmagalur, Bishop Robert Michael Miranda of Gulbarga, Bhishop Derek Fernandes of Karwar, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore, Bishop Fr Tomas Vazhapally of Mysore and Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Shimoga diocese beautified the dais with their gracious presence.
Archbishop Bernard Moras, the president of the Karnataka Catholic Bishop’s Council, delivered welcome address appreciating the interest and the enthusiasm shown by all the people of all the dioceses.
He said the main purpose of this Congress is to make relevant the message of Jesus Christ for everyone and that it has to be lived and shared with others through selfless love and service.
Bishop Robert Miranda, chairman, Proclamation Commission, KRCBC in his keynote address said, “The message of Christ ought to empower, especially the weak, the under-privileged and the marginalized to live with human dignity. This has to be done with genuine love for them. Moreover, the works of charity have to be done without any ulterior motive or vested interest”.
Fr Faustine Lobo, coordinator, KRPPC and convener of Kristhotsava conveyed the message that the three-day Kristhotsava is an occasion for the participants to celebrate the person of Christ with prayers, music, sharing, art and culture. This particular event has a lasting effect which can give a new look to the churches in Karnataka, he added.
Bishop Joseph Arumachadath released ‘Putanigala Christmas’ audio and Bishop Isidore Fernandes of Allahabad inaugurated the exhibition which depicted the lifestyle of the people of the diocese.
Sharing the faith by lay people was an interesting part of the programme in which John Bellary from Belgaum shared his life story how he was touched by Christ.
Judith Mascarenhas from Mangalore who runs a 100-bed hospital with an orphanage was inspired by Christ in spite of being in politics. She has held the positions as corporator and deputy mayor of Mangalore.
Moderator for faith sharing and for the day were Fr Stanislaus Udaya Kumar, professor, St Peter’s Seminary and Fr Peter Mascarenhas, regional superior, Montfort Fathers respectively.
Workshops were conducted for all the participants including group discussions. Bishop Thomasappa Anthonyswamy of Chikmagalur diocese had the reflection on Theological synthesis. Day ended with evening prayer followed by cultural items by Karwar and Chikmagalur dioceses which gave a great feast to the eyes of all the participants to had a good night sleep.
For Day 2 Report & Pics: Click Here
For Day 3 Report & Pics: Click Here