MANGALURU, DECEMBER 23, 2024: Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore, celebrated Christmas with journalists and media representatives at the Bishop’s House in Mangaluru on December 23, 2024.
In his inspiring Christmas message, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha focused on the theme of peace and hope, rooted in the spirit of Christmas. He expressed, “Every Christmas brings us a fresh message. Jesus is the fountain of surprising freshness to this tired world. The essence of Christmas is the promise of fresh light in our darkest moments. It is a call to humanity to know and realise its highest dignity.”
Addressing the challenging times faced by society, the Bishop remarked, “Dark clouds of conflict, anxiety, and immense suffering hover over us. Yet, the essence of Christmas reminds us to hold fast to the treasure of our shared humanity. Jesus assures us that God is not the cause of our struggles but invites us to transcend selfishness and division through love and understanding.”
This year’s Christmas marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year 2025 of the Birth of Jesus, celebrated under the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Bishop Saldanha highlighted the importance of spreading hope during this Jubilee, stating, “From December 24, 2024, the Catholic Church embarks on a journey of hope through special programmes and pilgrimage centres to help people pray for peace and rekindle their hope.”
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Msgr Rev. Fr Maxim Noronha (Vicar General), Rev. Fr J. B Saldanha, Mr Roy Castelino (the PRO of Mangalore Diocese), Dr John DSilva (Diocesan Pastoral Parishad Secretary), Mr Elias Fernandes (Media representative), Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes (Director, Canara Communication Centre), Fr Rupesh Madtha (Editor of Raknno Weekly), Fr Maxim Rosario (Diocesan Estate Officer), Rev. Fr Trishan Dsouza (Bishop’s Secretary), and Rev. Fr Jagadish Pinto (Financial Administrator), along with a gathering of journalists and media representatives.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Cathedral, Rosario, Mangaluru, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at 7:15 p.m.
