Souharda Christmas observed in Udupi with White Doves’ mobile act

Udupi: The Kallianpur Deanery Catholic Sabha observed ‘Souharda Christmas’ with an act by famous NGO White Doves of Mangaluru at Mount Rosary Church campus, Santhekatte, Kallianpur on Saturday, December 1.

Prior to the performance by White Doves’ team, a stage programme was held presided over by Santhosh Cornelio, President of Catholic Sabha, Kallianpur Deanery. Bishop of Udupi diocese Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, local MLA K Raghupathi Bhat, M A Gafoor, KPCC member, Mount Rosary Church Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Leslie Clifford D’Souza, President of Udupi Pradesh Catholic Sabha Alwin Quadros, Secretary Rosy Quadros, former presidents Valerian Fernandes and Elroy Kiran Crasto, Spiritual Director of Udupi Pradesh Catholic Sabha Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Fernandes , CMC Councillor Manjula Nayak , Vice President of Mount Rosary Parish Pastoral Council Baptist Dias and Convener of the programme Ashwin Roche were present on the dais.

Addressing a gathering, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that despite the presence of diverse religions, the goal of every religion is to reach God. “We have organised this programme during Christmas season to understand that Christ is among us”, he said.

The bishop also spoke on the Christmas messages of love and peace.

MLA Raghupathy Bhat said that people of all religions live in peace and harmony in the country. “We cannot see such unity and culture in any country of the world. Even though we have different religions or caste people, we first love our family, then our relatives, our neighbours and then our country and then profess faith in God. When all these go hand in hand the bond between us becomes stronger,” he added.

M A Gafoor and Rev. (Dr) Fr. Leslie D’Souza also spoke on the occasion and gave Christmas messages. Corrine Rasquinha of White Doves was honoured for her services and contribution towards the poor and the underprivileged people. Joseph Rebello of Mount Rosary was honoured for winning the District Kannada Rajyotsava district award.

Later, the play ‘Vishwashishi’ written by Bannu Fernandes was staged. Some of the best actors depicted the life and missionary work of St. Thomas in India.

Earlier, Santhosh Cornelio welcomed the gathering. Rosy Quadros proposed a vote of thanks and Royston of Kolalgiri parish compered the programme.