Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 25: Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangalore, celebrated the joy of Christmas with the residents of St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, on Thursday morning. The bishop presided over the festive Solemn Mass, praying specifically for the inmates, donors, well-wishers, and the dedicated staff who sustain the charitable mission of the ashram.

In his homily, bishop Peter Paul emphasized the profound nature of the Incarnation. "Through the birth of Jesus, God revealed Himself to humanity in a tangible form. Had Jesus not been born, we might have held onto abstract or even absurd ideas about the Divine. Today, we have a clear and beautiful picture of God as a baby—gentle, innocent, simple, joyful, and kind," the bishop stated, reminding the faithful that "God is Love."

The bishop further urged the congregation to transition from mere celebration to meaningful connection. He gave a clarion call to "move from celebration to relationship," stressing that Christmas is truly meaningful only when it inspires individuals to build strong bonds with their brethren through selfless service and compassion.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the bishop spent time personally interacting with the ashramites. In a heart-warming display of pastoral care, he was seen surrounded by the elderly, the youth, and the destitute, exchanging festive greetings and sharing the joy of the season.

The Mass was concelebrated by Fr J B Crasta, director of St Anthony Charitable Institutions; Fr Praveen Martis, administrator; Fr Nishanth Vivian Rodrigues, assistant administrator; and Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre.