Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 27: In a call for fraternity beyond religious and social divides, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha hosted the annual Bandhutva Christmas celebration at the Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, on Thursday. The programme brought together political leaders, civil administrators and representatives of different faith traditions, highlighting the need for peace, dignity and mutual respect in a fractured world.
The evening began with Christmas carols rendered by the choir from Kulur Church, followed by a prayer service led by Rev Sandeep Theophil, registrar of Karnataka Theological College, Balmatta.
The Bishop’s vision: The 'five-finger' metaphor for unity
In his address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reflected on the Nativity as the moment when God became visible in a child, accompanied by a mother and a father, presenting what he described as a true picture of humanity rooted in relationships. He said every human being is an invaluable treasure and society has a collective responsibility to help individuals realise their fullest potential for the common good.
Explaining his “five-finger” metaphor, the Bishop compared the world’s religions to the fingers of a single hand, each retaining its uniqueness while working together for humanity to function harmoniously. He observed that the weakest finger is often adorned with rings, urging society to value, protect and accompany marginalised and minority communities.
Calling upon people to move beyond superficial differences, he stressed the need to recognise the inherent dignity present in every human heart. Expressing concern over growing hatred and warfare, the Bishop warned that humanity is turning the world from a “Garden of Eden” into a place of suffering for many, and said crossing communal boundaries is the only path towards genuine and lasting peace.
Rejecting the 'poison' of hatred: A call to social harmony
Commissioner of income-tax (appeals) S Renga Rajan said Christmas carries a universal message of compassion and human solidarity. He described Mangaluru as a historic example of peaceful coexistence, where diversity has long been a source of strength.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he cautioned that communal hatred is a “poison” that should never be nurtured. He praised the Bandhutva initiative as a powerful symbol of unity and urged that its message be consciously passed on to future generations.
Appealing to citizens, he said people should refrain from forwarding hateful or divisive messages and instead promote stories of brotherhood within families so that children grow up with deep-rooted respect for all communities.
Felicitations
A highlight of the programme was the felicitation of Ivan Rodrigues and Lavita Rodrigues, parents of Indian women’s cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, in recognition of their contribution to sports and society. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha also felicitated S Renga Rajan for his presence and message of harmony.
A distinguished assembly
The celebration included ceremonial cutting of the Christmas cake, symbolising shared joy and fellowship. Those present included Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, Mangaluru South; Ivan D’Souza, MLC; Capt Brijesh Chowta, MP, Mangaluru; and Ashraf, MLA, Manjeshwar.
Also present were Sudheer Kumar Reddy, IPS, commissioner of police, Mangaluru; Amit Singh, IPS, IGP, Mangaluru; Bishop Hemachandra Kumar of the CSI; representatives of Ramakrishna Mutt, Brahma Kumaris and Ullal Dargah; and Prof P L Dharma, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University.
Priests and religious, superiors of congregations, heads of diocesan institutions, Catholic and local corporators including Naveen D’Souza and Lancelot Pinto, and educationist Mohan Alva of Alva’s Institutions, Moodbidri, were also present.
The programme concluded with Christmas games conducted by Fr Rupesh Madtha, followed by a vote of thanks by Rev Dr J B Saldanha, PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore, and a fellowship dinner. The event was coordinated by Roy Castelino, PRO, while Usha Fernandes compered the programme.
About Bandhutva
Bandhutva is an initiative of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and strengthening bonds of peace, harmony and brotherhood. Rooted in the ideal of Vishwa Bandhutva or universal fraternity, the initiative encourages communities to engage with one another through dialogue, openness and shared celebration.