“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (I John 2:2 ESV; cf. Hebrews 2:17; I John 4:10). Jesus paid the price for our sins. He lived, died, and was resurrected in order that those who believe in Him are forgiven of their sins and have eternal life. Jesus did what we cannot do; He fulfilled the requirements of a holy life and, if we place our faith in Him and live for Him, the payment He made is applied to us and our sins no longer separate us from God.
Mangaluru: A mammoth crowd of over 5000 people, both young and old thronged to Padua School grounds on Sunday 15 March evening to witness the mega Kannada play ” Anthyadindha Aarambha” (End was the Beginning)- a drama written/choreographed by Bannu Fernandes, member of White Doves, and brilliantly directed by Corrine Rasquinha- the Founder of White Doves- a NGO which cares for the destitute, poor and downtrodden. This meaningful drama was indeed needed during this Lenten season. It wasn’t just Jesus Christ dying that was the “deal”. He sacrificed himself because he was so pure and sinless. The blood of Jesus is what saves us. Now, him rising from the dead was just for our benefit, to know he was not of this world. To prove he was God. To show the most awesome miracle ever. Wow, how awesome is that??
We should all know that Jesus came to earth because he loves us; He came to deliver truth in a world of false beliefs. But the main reason He came to earth was to be the final sacrifice for our sins. The simple reason is because we are not good, some may think they are, but none are as good as they think when compared to God’s standard–Jesus Christ. His love prompted him to become man to accomplish what only He could, to rescue mankind. Because we are sinful, in a spiritually wrecked condition we are in need of redemption but could not redeem ourselves. Nothing short than the eternal creator could accomplish this; no man with sin could qualify to redeem us with his life. God would come to earth as man to cleanse the affect of the disease of sin inherited to all humanity. That is what is so amazing about the Bibles story of Jesus. The creator came to earth; God who is perfect, righteous and holy lived among his creatures that are unholy, unrighteous, even those who were enemies of him.
Jesus came to earth because of God’s love for all of us; no matter what religion, country or culture we were born into He wants fellowship with us. He wants us to experience the mercy and forgiveness that is needed to make us whole. Based on the scriptures/story in the Bible, Bannu Fernandes had compiled and written this elaborate story in Kannada on the life and victory of Jesus Christ .For all the Catholic faithful, this play was a good way to mark the Lent season. Over 125 actors ranging from all age groups and from all walks of life acted superb in this nearly two-and-a-half hour stage play. Since the Play has been sponsored by various donors and well-wishers, it was staged free of cost to the public. Also this play was organized to raise funds for the construction of White Doves new project- a 200 bed Psychiatric Nursing Home for the Destitute at Maroli-Mangaluru. The land of 49 cents near Maroli has been donated for this project by the Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, who has been a great supporter of the White Doves for the last 18 years.
Prior to the beginning of the drama, during a formal function MLA J R Lobo appreciated the sacrifices done by Corrine Rasquinha in catering to the needs of the destitute and the needy. He said that Corrine who heads White Doves takes care of 120 inmates irrespective of caste or creed or religion. In addition the white doves have helped build 8 houses for the poor and provides ration to 25 poor families on monthly basis. Poor Student and poor patients are helped by the White doves. Another initiative of White doves is the daily feeding and over 100 poor and hungry mouths are fed everyday on the streets of Mangaluru -With the sole aim that no one should go to bed without a single meal at least. We should all appreciate what Corrine and her team at White Doves do for the poor and the downtrodden. Fr. Antony Serrao, Rec Fr Michael Santhumayor, George Pinto, Rev Pramod Goni, and other dignitaries also graced the formal function.
Overwhelmed at the tremendous response of the vast crowd that had gathered to see the play, and also appreciating the generous support of many donors and well-wishers, and also while looking forward for more support from the general public Corrine said, “We have always trusted in our God. He has always provided for the needs of White Doves through large hearted, generous people. All that Jesus did was save me. My salvation was purchased at such a price, that’s why I want the whole world know, for those who think Jesus’s death on the Cross was the end of everything, but it is the moment everything begins. This play has revealed everything. I am happy that thousands have come here and witnessed this unique play which has been well-written by Bannu Fernandes, like he does always with his earlier dramas. I remain grateful and thankful to God Almighty who makes all things possible”.
The play was staged on a unique 212 feet stage designed by Bannu Fernandes. Apart from the great acting by all the artists, a 10 mins ‘Way of the Cross’ song composed by Bannu was sung by Kerala’s renowned singer, Lijo Thalakootur, which brought a loud applaud from the audience. Not to forget the sound and lighting was superb. Everyone enjoyed this mega play, and went home with sweet memories of a mega show that has been staged in Mangaluru in a long time on a mega stage. Long live White Doves who bring great religious shows during Lent, Easter and Christmas time.
About White Doves:
White Doves a 19 year old NGO founded by Mrs. Corrine Rasquinha, has since been involved in taking care of the destitute picked up from the streets of Mangalore. These destitute, mentally derailed wandering in various physical conditions are picked up by White doves bathed, groomed and medically attended to. Some continue to live at the White Doves home not knowing from where they originated. The others are rehabilitated and some reached back to their homes in various parts of India including Nepal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra etc. White Doves has recorded over 60 such cases. The two Homes are run by the White Doves purely on the generosity of the public and has no grants or funds from the Government to date. However whenever a mentally challenged female or male person is found on the streets the Police department brings them into White Doves Homes even at the dead of night..
