By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD)
Mumbai, Dec 23: “Mankind is facing social evils, terrorism, and injustice and the people have little hope of changing the face of the earth. Peace and harmony among the people is threatened by intellectuals’ extremes. Christmas celebrations every year give an opportunity to promote universal brotherhood,” said Cardinal Oswald Gracious of Mumbai.
He was speaking during Christmas celebrations organized by Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) at Hotel Kohinoor Continental, J B Nagar, Andheri (East), on Wednesday December 21.
CCCI founder president Vincent Mathias, vice-presidents John D’Silva, Albert W D’Souza and Antony Sequeira, directors Lawrence Coelho, William Sequeira and John Mathew, former directors Agnello Rajesh N Athaide, BJP local leader Ashis Shelar, Andheri (East) DCP Dr S Warke, and Minority Commission office-bearer M Hyder were present on the dais.
CCCI directors Johnson Therattil and Walter Buthello, CCCI young wing president Vernon V Mathias, Freddy Mendonca, Fr Antony D’Souza, Fr K Sam, V P Lobo, John Joseph, S koushal, Alwyn Rasquinha Mulund, Congress leader Walter D’Souza Kalmady, Leo Fernandes Jerimeri, Bombay Catholic Sabha vice-president Lawrence D’Souza, Mumbai Pradesh women wing Congress president Janet L D’Souza, and Kalina corporator Alice J Therattil were also present.
CCCI president Henry Lobo welcomed the gathering and explained the importance of Christmas and its celebrations by CCCI. John Shibi Mathew and Vincent S compered the programme. CCCI secretary Felix D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
Maria D’Cruz and Moses carols group, St Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Sakinaka carols group, and Stany Lasrado presented Christmas carols on the occasion.