Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 13: The Udupi Diocese celebrated Christmas with the media fraternity at the Mother of Sorrows Church Auditorium here on December 13. The celebration began with the cutting of the Christmas cake by the dignitaries.
Udupi district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar said, “I had been wanting to visit the bishop ever since I took charge in Udupi, and though it came a bit late, I am glad I finally got the opportunity today. Christmas holds very fond memories for me, as I studied in a missionary school and often read Christian books that carried beautiful stories. Christmas is a festival celebrated by all communities. While it is important for me as a Hindu to understand my own scriptures, learning about the traditions of other faiths helps me become a better Hindu. Let us work together to make our country a developed nation by 2047.”
Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank Limited, said, “Christmas is a festival that spreads a positive message to society, and the media plays a vital role in carrying that message forward. With this objective, the programme was organised. From now on, we will also initiate such celebrations at our cooperative bank office. Journalists follow two important messages from the Bible — to highlight good and positive developments, and to create transparent awareness during times of danger. In promoting and maintaining peace and harmony, the media shares equal responsibility with the police department.”
Suji Kurya, president of the Udupi District Working Journalists Association, said, “December is a festive month for Christians, while January is significant for Hindus with the Paryaya celebrations. If December marks the celebration of Jesus Christ, January celebrates Lord Sri Krishna. Hence, the coming two months will be busy for both journalists and police officials due to these festivals. Let these celebrations spread love and affection.”
In his presidential address, Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop of the Udupi Diocese, said, “Christmas is a festival of love. The Almighty sent His only Son to earth. Christmas is a festival when the Almighty becomes a human being. Love means sacrifice. With Jesus, the Almighty spreads His love; therefore, we call Christmas the festival of love. It is also a festival of peace and harmony. Jesus Christ came to earth to make this earth a heaven. Let us work towards peace and be instruments of peace. With the media, it is possible. Let us also be instruments of love and strive to spread love where there is hatred, for love can win every heart. For the past 13 years, the media fraternity has extended its wholehearted cooperation to the diocese, for which we are deeply grateful.”
On the occasion, the newly elected office-bearers of the Udupi District Working Journalists Association were felicitated.
Fr Denis D’sa, public relations officer of the Udupi Diocese, welcomed the gathering. Michael Rodrigues, media coordinator of the diocese, proposed the vote of thanks. Lesli Aroza compered the programme.
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the Udupi Diocese; Fr Steven D’Souza, chancellor of the diocese, and others were present.