Mangaluru Diocese Mega Vehicle Rally Marks Christmas Celebrations
Mangaluru: To mark the Christmas Celebrations, a Mega Vehicle Rally was held from various parishes which culminated at the Milagres church grounds here on December 21. Five deaneries of Mangaluru Diocese such as Episcopal, City, Permannur, Pezar and Suratkal participated in the rally.
The programme began with an invocation. Director of t Antony’s Charitable Institutions and the Convener of the rally Fr Onil D’Souza, delivered the keynote address. Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais. The entire gathering holding lighted candles sang the Christmas carols.
Addressing the gathering Bishop Aloysius said that Jesus came into this world two thousand years ago and planted the seed of the Kingdom of God through love and forgiveness. Today this seed has grown into a huge tree which has spread throughout the world giving shelter to the last and the least in the society. Millions benefit from the service of the church founded by Jesus in the form of medical service, education, charity work, social service, etc,. He asked the people gathered to carry on the good work of Jesus and reach out to the people in their difficulties. He said that as part the celebrations we will be distributing Kuswar and clothing to the destitute at the St Antony Ashram Jeppu.
Bishop also wished everyone a very happy Christmas. Christmas Carols were sung in three languages. Advocate M P Noronha delivered the vote of thanks.
what is the message we wanted to convey by this rally that flaunted our strength, our wealth, our clout and caused so much pollution while inconveniencing so many people returning home after their day’s work?
are we celebrating the birth of Jesus born in a manger and visited by the shepherds, the outcasts of the time?
Is there someone who has the conviction and courage to put a stop to this garish show of wealth in our celebrations of birthdays, I communions, weddings, jubilees, even funerals and now the so-called ‘Christmas celebration’?