Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR)
Udupi, Dec 2: The mobile act by team White Doves for the 24th year was performed at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte on Saturday, December 1. Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery organised the event along with ‘Souharda Christmas’.
Santhosh Cornelio, president, Kallianpur deanery, presided over the programme, while Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, K Ragupathi Bhat, MLA Udupi, M A Gafoor, member KPCC, Alwin Quadros, president, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Elroy Kiran Crasto, former president, Valerian Fernandes, former president, Catholic Sabha, Fr Leslie D’Souza, parish priest, Mount Rosary Church, Fr Ferdinard Gonsalves, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh, Baptist Dias, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council Mount Rosary Church, Manjula, councillor, Rosay Quadros, and Ashwin Roche were present.
The programme was inaugurated with the dignitaries cutting a cake.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "We live in this coastal region where 5 rivers flow in mainstream and there are so many small rivulets that join them. They flow in different directions but reach a same destination that is the ocean. The same way religion may be different but the goal is one to reach God. Our journey is towards God. We have organised this programme on occasion of Christmas. The importance of this programme is in the word Christmas itself. The first word is 'Christ' and 'Mass' in the sense Christ and community that is Christ among us. It gives two messages, one is love towards the humankind and one more is peace. Jesus has set example to us with love and sacrifice and peace. Let us also live our life in the path of Jesus Christ. "
Addressing the gathering MLA of Udupi, K Raghupathi Bhat said, "As bishop we have different religions and culture in our country but still we all live in harmony. We don't see such unity in diversity in other countries. This programme is also an example for unity among us. Though we have various religion and culture our first love must be towards our family, later our relatives and our religion and faith towards God. And we need to show our respect towards our country too. When all this go hand in hand the bond between us becomes strong. The best example for religious harmony, we can see in Udupi. Our Christian missionaries have extended their great support towards the society; I thank them for their service. I wish all of you a happy Christmas."
M A Gafoor, chief secretary, KPCC, sharing his thoughts said, “Such programmes are needed to bring people together. Our Christian missionaries have done lot towards the society and have spread the message of love and peace. May such programmes help people to come together and spread the message of peace and harmony among us.”
Corrine Rasquinha, Vitus P Rasquinha were honoured on the occasion. Joseph M Rebello of Mount Rosary Church was also honoured on the occasion for winning the District Rajyotsava Award.
After the formal stage programme, the mobile act ‘Vishwashishi’ written by Bannu Fernandes, was acted. The act was on the life of St Thomas and his missionary journey in India.
Santhosh Cornelio welcomed the gathering. Rosay Quadros rendered the vote of thanks. Royton compered the programme.