News: Gordon D’Almeida
Photos: Stanly Bantwal
Mangaluru , Dec. 22 : To spread love and peace among different religions St Vincent Ferrer Church Valencia, Hebich Church Gorigudda and Christmas Souharda Committee Gorigudda organised Christmas Souharda on 21 December 2018 near UBMC school Gorigudda Mangaluru.
The guest for the occasion were Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Swami Ekagamyanandaji of Ramkrishna Mutt and head of Ramkrishna mission Mangalore, Mr Mohammed Kunhi Manager of Shanthi Prakashana Bunder Mangaluru.
Hebich Church Head Mr Goldin Bangera welcoming the gathering said “Christmas is the right time to spread joy , peace and harmony” and welcomed the gathering.
The programme was inaugurated by cutting the cake by all the dignitaries on the dias.
Mr Mohammed Kunhi addressing the gathering said “All are equal in this country , we need to live together and should spread love and peace. All the people should be treated equally and hatred should not be there in the society. Only if we live together we can spread smiles”. He also appreciated the organisers for organising the event.
Swami Ekagamyanandaji speaking on the occasion said “This is a special day in my life after coming to Mangaluru. For the first time , I am getting a chance to participate in Christmas celebration with people of different religions”. He stressed on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda on religion and also Ramkrishna mission which is promoting clean Mangaluru. He also congratulated and thanked Bishop Peter Paul for taking iniative in Green Mangaluru and he also extended his full support for the same.
Bishop Peter Paul while conveying his message said “ Everyone should work on building the society with peace, love and harmony. All should fill their minds with moral values”. He stressed on the importance of living together as one and told everyone to spread love and maintain peace every time. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas in advance.
Santa Claus made thrilling entry and entertained the crowd. Youth of Hebich church entertained the crowd with some Christmas carols whereas the kids danced on carols. People from Valencia church performed a skit on the birth of Jesus and sang christmas carols.
Members of Christmas Souharda Committee , Fr James D’Souza Parish Priest – Valencia , Fr Joswin D’Souza Asst PP, Fr Arun Lobo resident priest , Mr Anil Lobo vice-president parish council Valencia, Mrs Lizzie Pinto secretary parish council , Mr Abbas, Mr Sunil Frank and Mr Yashvanth Rao were also present.
Around 700 people of different religions participated in the programme and dinner was served to all.
Fr James D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Mr Arun Raj Rodrigues compered the whole programme.
