‘Christian Community is Model to Society through Service and Discipline’- Ramalinga Reddy
Udupi: “By its dedicated service to the society and discipline the Christian Community through its peaceful endeavours has set an example for the entire nation”, said Ramalinga Reddy, Home Minister of the Karnataka while addressing the gathering as the chief guest on the occasion of the inauguration and blessing of the renovated St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral, Brahmavar on Friday, 12 January 2018.
Speaking further, Ramalinga Reddy said that the community has been in the forefront in establishing educational institutions in every nook and corner of the country and the missionaries through their disciplined life and providing quality education along with selfless service have contributed in a unique way in the development of the nation. Besides, this community has been rendering great service in the field of health thus serving the society by following the way shown by Jesus Christ. It is a matter of pride for the country that St Theresa of Kolkata (Mother Theresa) though not an Indian by birth through her service to the poor and marginalized had earned the crown of sainthood. In this modern world as the atmosphere of hatred and insecurity prevails all the religions should join together and spread the message of peace and harmony.
Baselios Marthoma Paulose II Catholicos of the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church who inaugurated the felicitation programme and delivered benedictory address said that Church is the place which provides light to its followers. As Jesus had said, the Church is the place where the poor and marginalized would receive love and service, thus sharing the love of God among these people.
Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister-in-charge of Udupi District who was one of the chief guests of the programme, after releasing the souvenir said that the Congress Government under the leadership of Siddaramaiah has been contributing to the development of the Christian Community and it has set aside Rs 175 crores for the renovation of Churches and other associated projects. The government has granted Rs 50 lakhs for the renovation of St Mary’s Cathedral at Brahmavar.
Rev. C.A. Isaac-Vicar General of the Church, Anil Rodrigues-Trustee, Alan Rohan Vaz-Convener of the Building Committee, Ivan Suares- Secretary and Wilson Lewis were honoured during the felicitation programme.
The felicitation programme was attended by Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo-Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Yakob Mar Elias (Bishop, Brahmavar Diocese), Geevarghese Mar Coorilos (Bishop, Mumbai Diocese), Joseph Mar Dionysius (Bishop, Kolkata Diocese), Geevarghese Mar Yulios (Bishop, Ahmedabad Diocese) and Abraham Mar Seraphim (Bishop, Bangalore Diocese), Naveen Nayak-President of Varamballi Gram Panchayat, Rev. Dr. M.O. Jhon, Haji K Ismail Naund, Fr Lawrence D’souza, Fr David Crasta, Fr Abraham Kuriakose, Fr Noel Lewis and Fr Joseph Chacko and others.
Rev. C.A. Isaac, Vicar General of the Church welcomed the gathering, Trustee Anil Rodrigues delivered the vote of thanks. Anil Lobo and Aroor Thimmappa Shetty compered the programme.