JOINT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION HELD IN MANGALORE
- Christmas invites us not only to give gifts but to be a gift to others.
This season encourages us to offer our time, presence, and love to those who need it most. We should experience Christ in the elderly, the sick, and those living in ashrams by bringing hope and joy into their lives.
Mangalore, December 14, 2024: The spirit of Christmas shone brightly at the “Sauhardha Christmas” celebration, organized by the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCFHR), Western Zone, and the Mangalore Christian Council. Held at the historic Cascia Church Hall in Morgan’s Gate, the event drew a vibrant and diverse gathering of people united by faith, joy, and the message of peace.
The celebration was graced by esteemed dignitaries from various Christian denominations. Among them were Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore; His Grace Yakoob Mar Elias, Bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Brahmavar; and Rt. Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the Church of South India, Karnataka Southern Diocese. Their presence symbolized unity among Christian communities and underscored the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration that Christmas embodies.
In his address, Bishop Hemachandra Kumar delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of harmony and togetherness, values central to the Christmas season. “Let us live in harmony, blessed by the love of Christ,” he urged, calling on everyone to transcend differences and embrace one another in the spirit of brotherhood.
The program included a variety of cultural performances that captivated the audience. Enthusiastic participants showcased traditional and contemporary dances, soulful Christmas carols, and heartfelt skits, each creatively reflecting the joy and deeper meaning of Christmas. The Bishops commended the performers for their efforts, noting how the artistic presentations beautifully conveyed the timeless message of hope, love, and reconciliation.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, in his address, reminded everyone of the profound simplicity and humility of Christ’s birth. “Christmas calls us to see the face of Christ in the less fortunate, the marginalized, and those who need our compassion,” he said. His Grace Yakoob Mar Elias echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of being messengers of peace in a world often divided by discord.
The event also featured a special interdenominational choir, which performed popular carols such as “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night,” leaving the audience in awe and reflection. Their harmonious voices spread the true essence of the season, inspiring the participants to carry the spirit of Christmas into their daily lives.
The celebration concluded with a festive dinner, fellowship, and goodwill. The “Sauhardha Christmas” was a celebration of the universal values of love, peace, and unity. It reinforced the message that Christmas is not merely a day on the calendar but a way of living that inspires kindness and generosity throughout the year.
