Pics: Joshwa D''Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 21: The spirit of Christmas was in the air as the diocese of Mangaluru heralded the festival with a grand and vibrant vehicle rally here on Wednesday December 21.
The rally that comprised four different routes passing through the main streets of the city culminated at Milagres Church premises.
Addressing the gathering, bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D''Souza called upon every Christian to spread the message of Christmas through good deeds.
"Christ was born in this world out of love for each one of us. When he took birth, atrocities and fear were common things on earth. Hence we have the duty to spread his love with our neighbours through good deeds and compassion. Whenever we see the people in need we must reach out to them. This is what Jesus expects from us. I render my Christmas and New Year greetings to every person of this region and pray that Jesus blesses each one of us abundantly and may the new year be a fruitful one for every one of us."
The bishop said that as part of this celebration, he would be distributing Kuswar and clothing to the inmates of St Antony’s Home in Jeppu on December 23 and also distributing grocery items to HIV/AIDS-affected families and construction material to a poor family to build house for them.
The vehicle rally was held through four routes:
* Thokkottu-Pumpwell-Kankanady-Falnir-Milagres
* Suratkal, Tannirbavi, Kulur, Ashokanagar, Urva-Lalbagh-PVS-Bunts Hostel-Jyoti-Milagres
* Vamanjoor, Fermai, Kelarai, Paldane, Shaktinagar, Kulshekar-Nanthoor-Bendore-Balmatta-Jyoti-Milagres
* Rosario-A B Shetty circle-Milagres.
About a thousand people from four deaneries of Mangaluru diocese came in two-wheelers and four-wheelers and assembled at Milagres Church grounds. People came wearing Santa Claus caps and held lighted candles in hand while singing Christmas carols. The procession comprised loats and tableaux depicting the teachings of Jesus. There was festivity all around as participants captured the beautiful moments on their phones and clicked selfies along the way.
Fr Oneil D’Souza, director of St Anthony Ashram, convener of the diocesan social concern committee and the organizer of the rally delivered the introductory address, while Ivan D''Souza, vice-president of Milagres Church welcomed the gathering. M P Noronha, secretary, diocesan pastoral parishad proposed the vote of thanks. Aloysius compered the programme.
Vicar general of the diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, parish priest of Milagres Church Fr Valerian D''Souza, president of Catholic Sabha Anil Fermai, head of the traffic warden squad Joe Gonsalves and others were present.