Report and Pics by Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Dec 24: Archbishop of Bangalore Fr Bernard Moras, giving his Christmas day message to the VVIPs of the state at a function held at St Germain's Quadrangle here on Tuesday December 23 at 4.30 pm, called for reposing total faith in the bonding and healing power of love, peace and unity.
State governor Rameshwar Thakur was the chief guest of the evening. Dignitaries like minister Ramachandra Gowda, Guruji Acharya Vinay Vinaykar, MLA K J George, city police commissioner Shankar Bidari and ex-MP H T Sangliana graced the occasion. Several important leaders and politicians could not make it to the function, as they were busy with by-poll preparations and hence out of the city.
Invocation dance was rendered by the children of St Charles School, followed by a message by bishop Bernard Moras, stressing that all the countrymen are one and that the citizens should stand united as Indians, in spite of what comes their way. Christ brought peace with him while taking birth in the world. The greatest thing a human being can do, is to treat others as their own sisters and brothers, he said.
Guruji Vinaykar in his address, asserted that every man and woman in the world are our brothers and sisters and that Jesus Christ has to take birth in the hearts of each and every person for rekindling and invoking the spirit of love. He appreciated bishop Bernard Moras’ gesture in inviting the people of all faiths to the function, thus laying emphasis on the message of universal brotherhood, he added. He further felt that every citizen should Endeavour to create a wonderful world for the future generations.
Prof Ramachandra Gowda in his address, stated that love, truth and selfless service are the true manifestations of the Lord and nothing in the world is greater than these things. There should be love and affection amongst all of us, because ultimately God is one, he said.
Governor Thakur addressed the gathering with warm greetings for developing a holistic outlook, compassion, unity and spirit of fellowship. Jesus showed us the divine virtues of humility, patience and service to the society. Message of peace, unity and integrity is badly needed in this turbulent world of modern times, he opined.
On this occasion, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Bangalore called ‘Tabor’, Calendar to mark the Ruby Jubilee of BMSSS (Bangalore Multipurpose social service society) which strives for the marginalized to ensure their human dignity, and a book in Kannada called ‘Banni Bangarada Holadaaga’ by F M Nandagagoan M A were released.
Cultural programmes included Christmas carols and Kannada songs by the blind students of Jyothi Seva Kendra, a tableau by St Joseph’s Convent Girl’s School children and Kannada songs by the 'Chiguru' group which entertained one and all.
The programme was compeered by Fr Adlof Washington and Fr Francis in English and Kannada respectively. The programme concluded with high tea at 7 pm.