“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat”-Mother Teresa
Mangaluru: Quoting Pope Francis where he tells, “In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is unfathomable that there are so many poor persons. Poverty today is a cry. I believe in the kindness of others, and that I must love them without fear. None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice. The world tells us to seek success, power, and money; God tells us to seek humility, service, and love.” – I think Konkan Overseas Returnees Welfare Association (KORWA) members have done the right thing again by sharing the spirit of Christmas with the less-fortunate children of the various orphanages in and around Mangaluru.
The Konkan Overseas Returnees’ Welfare Association (KORWA) organized “Christmas celebrations” in the Loyola Hall St Aloysius PU College, here on December 12, 2015. Following the introduction of the organization, the programme began with an welcome dance by St Angela Home Children-Bejai. President of KORWA Louis Lobo welcomed the gathering. The programme was symbolically inaugurated by Rev Fr Santhosh Kamath of Fatima Retreat House along with the KORWA executive members namely Louis Lobo-President, Elias Sanctis-Vice President, David D’Souza-Cultural Secretary, Jessy Pinto-Secretary, Flora Hilsop-Jt Secretary and Wilma Menezes, by lighting the candles.
Rev Fr Santhosh Kamath in his traditional style addressed the gathering saying, “It’s gives me once again a proud privilege to be associated with Korwa, since I have been involved in all their programmes since their inception. It’s nice to note that Korwa is celebrating the spirit of Christmas once again with the orphanage children. Christmas is life, and these children are the future life of the world. Children are God’s gift to us. We should be grateful to the members of Korwa for putting up this unique programme for the sake of children, thereby bring miles of smiles on their faces. Merry Christmas to you all well in advance”.
Addressing the gathering MLA J R Lobo said, “It is a beautiful programme, celebrating Christmas with the children who are less privileged lot. It is a true way of celebrating Christmas. It is not a family festival, but is a festival of unity, brotherhood and joy”. In olden days pagans were celebrating various festivals and Christmas is the one since then. We celebrate Jesus Birthday but it is not the question of Jesus Birth, no one knows the exact date when Jesus was born but we all are sure that 2000 years ago Jesus born in the winter season. We celebrate the coming of Jesus to save us from sin. And we celebrate his coming as Christmas.
Lobo further said that now a days people forget the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is the time to celebrate joy with our neighbours, the poor and downtrodden forgetting caste, creed and religion. Jesus came to this world and he loved the poor and the downtrodden. We are distributing cakes and sweets within the family. Instead of celebrating Christmas with out own people lets celebrate Christmas with the less fortunate in the society, like Jesus taught. When we understand the true meaning of Christmas and share the joy it will be a real celebration, he said.
The Christmas Celebration was filled with dance, songs, music, mimicry, skit and much more. The cultural show comprised of dance by Spandana children; dance from De Marcede Orphanage children; a act by Jeevadan children; renowned singer Anitha D’souza performed a solo song enthralling the audience; dance from St Joseph School Children-Gurpur; a act by St Aloysian Boys Home children-Kotekar; mimicry by Vishmay Vinayak and partner; a act by Prajna Counselling Centre children; mesmerising and scintillating dance performance by Almirah Shareena, who is the grand-daughter of Flora Hilsop, a active Korwa member.
A religious skit by Bethrram Formation House; song by Rynal Sequeira; scintillating dance by Illusion group; Christmas carols by Miss Steffi Pereira and group; and much more. The entry of Santa Claus brought lots of laughter and cheers among the children, as well as adults. Santa distributed sweets, goodies and danced with the children. Sponsors and well-wishers were honoured on the occasion. Gifts were also distributed to the kids. Elias Sanctis proposed the vote of thanks. Comperes Vybhav D’Souza and new comer Sushmitha John kept the audience live with their witty punchlines. The programme concluded with a sumptuous dinner served by M D’Souza Caterers.
In conclusion since Christmas is a season of sharing and giving, especially with the children, I end report with the lyrics the Band Aid “Do They Know It’s Christmas”-
It’s Christmas time, and there’s no need to be afraid
At Christmas time, we let in light and banish shade
And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world-At Christmas time
But say a prayer and pray for the other ones
At Christmas time, it’s hard but while you’re having fun
There’s a world outside your window, and it’s a world of dread and fear
Where a kiss of love can kill you, and there’s death in every tear
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you
Bring peace and joy this Christmas around the World
How can they know it’s Christmas time at all
Can they know it’s Christmas time at all
Feed the world, let them know it’s Christmas time again
Christmas is the most celebrated festival in the world, but millions of poor people are not participating at the glorious celebration of joy. According to the World Health Organizations report in 2013, out of the 7.2 billion world population, 1.2 billion are living with $ 1.25/day, and 400 million are in India. If the Christians of India will make an earnest effort to help according to their capacity, even one packet of meal a day for the hungry people around them, that can wipe off river full of tears from thousands of people. JESUS NOT ONLY PREACHED THE GOSPEL, BUT… Read more »
Congratulation to Korwa hats off to the President and all committee members. Your efforts and noble gestures was commendable. As Abraham Lincoln said. “When I do good, I feel Good, When I do Bad, I Feel Bad and that is my religion. So you people did exactly what the less fortunate deserve. Truly Christmas is a reminder to all of us that Jesus came to this world to share his Love among humanity and thought us what it means to love the poor and downtrodden. Once Nelson Mandela Said. ” We must use time wisely and forever realize that the… Read more »