Peace, Joy, Love & Goodwill of Christmas Unleashed during ‘Christa Namana’

Peace, Joy, Love & Goodwill of Christmas Unleashed during ‘Christa Namana’

Peace, Joy, Love & Goodwill of Christmas Unleashed during ‘Christa Namana’ (Obeseinance of Lord Jesus Christ)

Mangaluru: To spread Love, Peace and Harmony in the community the Diocese of Mangaluru and Doordarshan Kendra (Chandana) -Bengaluru hosted “Christa Namana” (Obeseinance to Lord Jesus Christ) on Sunday, 10 December at Fr Muller Convention Hall -Mangaluru from 5pm-8pm. Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year—and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority.Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves- and also that Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. And that when Christmas is over and gone, remember that peace, joy, love and goodwill must continue.

The glittering, pomp and exuberance of this celebration commenced with a prayer dance by the students of Padua PUC-Mangaluru, followed by welcome address by Fr Onil D’souza, the Convener of the “Christa Namana”. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp and also a delicious Christmas Cake by Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras the Archbishop of Bengaluru, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’souza- Bishop of Mangaluru; Swami Jitakamanandaji-President of Ramakrishna Math-Mangaluru; MLA J R Lobo; MLC Ivan D’souza; MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer; Fr Richard Coelho- Director, Fr Muller Charitable Institutions; N Chandrashekar Dy Director General- Doordarshan Kendra Bengaluru; among others.

Addressing the audience, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza in his message said, “Jesus came into this world for the sinners, outcast, poor and neglected and not for the affluent. When he came into the world He didn’t find a place for his birth. He was born in the manger. He didn’t find a place in the house or in the inn because there was no place for Him in the hearts of people. Today as we celebrate His Birthday He wishes to be born in our hearts and he invites us to see Him among the poor, downtrodden, oppressed. This gives true meaning for the celebration of Christmas. Love. Christmas is a season of love—a celebration of sacrificing what we have to show appreciation to those who mean the most. And while expressing love to another may be the most beautiful thing we can ever do. Wishing you all a blessed and Merry Christmas well in advance”.

MLA J R Lobo speaking said, ” We should all work in unity to maintain peace and harmony during the Christmas season-in the eyes of God we are all equal and we should never incite communal riots and hatred among different faiths. DK is a peace loving district, and people are not looking for any trouble any communal disharmony. But there are a few elements who want to break peace and harmony among the communities, thereby create tension in the society. We need to stay away from such people. Today this programme highlighting harmony, joy and peace has brought us altogether irrespective of religions. So during this Christmas season let us spread the message to love another and maintain peace throughout.”

MLC Ivan Lobo addressing the gathering said, ” This world never allows for perfect circumstances. And those who wait to find joy in them, never will. It is unwise to base our happiness fully on the actions of others. But that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a little joy into the life of another by the things that we do and the words that we say. We can still be intentional about spreading joy wherever we go. Family and personal relationships can cause conflict, turmoil, and stress at any time, but the tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Offer the gift of peace this Christmas by taking the first step. Hope is one of the greatest assets in the entire world. It is one of the greatest treasures we can ever find for ourselves. And it is one of the greatest gifts we can ever give to somebody else. See the good in others. Believe in their greatest potential. And encourage often. Let us also look forward to live in peace and harmony”

Also speaking during the occasion, Swamy Jitakamananda of Rama Krishna Math said, ” Vivekananda was undoubtedly a follower and admirer of Jesus of Christ. Swami Vivekananda had quoted, ‘Jesus Christ was God — the Personal God become man. He has manifested Himself many times in different forms and these alone are what you can worship. God in His absolute nature is not to be worshipped. Worshipping such God would be nonsense. We have to worship Jesus Christ, the human manifestation, as God. You cannot worship anything higher than the manifestation of God. The sooner you give up the worship of God separate from Christ, the better for you.’ Christmas indeed brings peace, love and harmony between communities. I am really overwhelmed to be here in this celebration, let us all live in peace, love and harmony”

Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras the Archbishop of Bengaluru that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is festival of remembering the event of God becoming human being. The birth of Jesus heralded the Good News to the humankind that God loves people and because of this love He forgives people. Let this Christmas be a meaningful Christmas. Consumerism and materialism in form of joyous celebration is not wrong, but if we celebrate without understanding the true essence of Christmas, the entire merrymaking of Christmas is futile. Let us live the life that Jesus Christ wanted us to live; loving and forgiving our enemies and building a society on the foundations of peace, joy and brotherhood. Then, all these debates of tolerance and intolerance will not find any space in society; and we will live our lives as expected by God, as human beings helping each other rather than tearing apart each other.t bless us all! May Christmas season bring a new freshness, a new hope and a new strength today and through this New Year! May Lord Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!” In fact, Rev Dr Bernard Moras also celebrated his Golden Jubilee of his Priesthood on this day.

As part of the cultural programme, the list of entertainment comprised of – Song by Capuchin Fathers with Fr Derrick D’souza at the helm; Dance Drama by Charity sisters-Mangaluru; Dance by St Agnes special School; Song by Reuben Machado and group; Dance by St Alphonsa Church-Kankanady; Song by KTC under Fr Sagar Sunderaj; Dance by St Aloysius PUC; Skit by St Joseph’s Seminary; Song by SRA Sisters; Dance by St Ann’s PUC; Ballet and Song by Fr Muller Medical College; Dance by Morning Star-Bajpe; and Song by Simon Pais and Team-Bajal. The Radium Dance performance by the students of Fr Muller’s Homeopathy College stole the show, receiving loud applaud from the audience. The cultural programme ended with singing Christmas carols, and dancing, joined by Santa Claus, impersonated by Vincy Menezes of Puttur. Ms Concepta Alva and Gladson Jathanna compered the programme

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In conclusion, I end this column with lyrics from the song “Season of Love” by Jaci Velasquez/Pete Orta-

“Where a prayer could be enough
Our hands open up and give a little more
Crowded hearts make room
Kindness falls like the snow
Tenderness like a row of dominoes

[Chorus]
Season of love
A chance to shine in the darkness
To be hope, to give joy
All over the world it’s Christmas
The season of love
Christ is here with us
In our hearts, through our hands
Love is the season

Holy infant Son of God
You are the light inside of every one
of us
Miracle on earth
We see your star, feel your peace
You are why this will always be the…
[Chorus] Love is the season”