Mumbai: Joyful Start to Mira-Bhayandar Christmas Carol Carnival
Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (PS)
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Mumbai, Dec 18: Bishop of Mumbai diocese Agnelo Gracias inaugurated the three-day 'Mira- Bhayandar Christmas Carol Carnival – 2011' organized by St Joseph Church on the theme 'Save the Girl Child' at Mira Road here on Saturday December 17 evening.
In his address, the bishop said that hosting a programme on the theme of 'Save the Girl Child' was an ideal way to celebrate Christmas. "This programme has also played an important role in upholding respect for women. By inculcating a harmonious way of life and the message of Jesus, one can lead a blissful life. Let there be love and affection for all," he said.
Fr Dominic Vas, parish priest of Mira Road and also director of the programme, spoke about the objectives of staging the event. Fr Archibald Gonsalves, chief of OCD religious institutions, who was the chief guest, conveyed the message of Christmas and greeted the gathering.
Talented sportsperson Kumari Hema Bhangya and noted social worker Kumari Krithika Sette were special guests at the colorful carnival.
Assistant priest Fr Michael Moras Shenoy, Fr Ivan R D'Souza, Fr Arwyn Tauro, Br Nithesh Rodrigues, Br John Pinto, Br Christian Denial, Br Kaushik Permar, Br Sandeep Gonsalves, Johnson Saldanha, president of Church committee, John Crasta, president of Konkani Catholic Association among others were present. Arthur Martin compered.
Santa Claus chariot, crib denoting the message of Jesus Christ, carol singing groups, pom pom dancers, tableax depicting the theme of 'Save the Girl Child' etc added colour to the procession in Mira Road and Bhayandar, much to the delight of people who had gathered in thousands.
Gilbert Bastis, working president of Malaika Appliances Pvt Ltd and director Marceline G Bastis sponsored the carol singing programme wherein more than 100 volunteers wearing T-shirts entertained the gathering.
St Joseph Church in Mira Road took the lead role in holding this campaign that stressed on 'equality of sexes' and urged to 'stop female foeticide'.
The three-day event will pass across Mira-Bhayandhar city and will conclude on Monday December 19 night.