St Vincent D’Paul Church Katapadi holds Christmas Get-together
Udupi: On the occasion of Christmas, a programme for communal harmony was organized by St Vincent D’Paul Church, Katapadi at the Katapadi market place on Wednesday, December 21.
The programme began with a welcome dance by the youth and a prayer service by the women of Katapadi parish. Following which Fr Ronson D’Souza, parish priest of St Vincent D’Paul Church welcomed the guests and the gathering.
Mohammed Arif Padubidri the Chief News Editor of Vijaya Karnataka daily who was the chief guest of the function in his address said that, earlier people used to live in the society based on love and confidence, however, in modern times people have built walls around their homes and are becoming more and more indifferent towards their neighbours. In order to eradicate suspicion and indifference between us, it is necessary to organize such programmes which promote mutual trust and understanding among people belonging to different communities.
Another guest of honour, Senior Journalist, Manohar Prasad speaking on the occasion said that, though man has set his foot on the moon, he is not ready to step into the orchard or courtyard of his neighbour. When we make it a point to visit our neighbours house the atmosphere of mutual understanding and harmony is being created. Nowadays humanism has become a victim of exhibitionism. In olden days the festivals and fairs of the village used to reflect the sense of social justice. However, people have forgotten those days. Family problems have been on the increase day by day. Attempts should be made to solve these problems with proper understanding and support of religious teachings and with such attempts peace can be found in families as well as with human beings in general.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese who presided over the programme in his message said that India is a garden of many communities which have been living together in the spirit of brotherhood. Unity in diversity has been the supreme principle of our nation. Like the rivers of India which originate in different sources and flow through different lands but ultimately merge with the same ocean, so also various religions of India though have different beliefs and methods of worship, their message is the same. No religion promotes injustice or hatred towards those who belong to other religions. The Bishop further said that when everyone tries to live in friendship and harmony with fellow human beings, the atmosphere of peace prevails. Christmas celebration would be meaningful when one sees God among those who are in trouble and hardship and try to help them in whatever manner they could and wipe their tears.
President of Katapadi Grama Panchayat Juliet Veera D’Souza, Director of Udupi Diocese Inter-Religious Dialogue Commission Fr Louis D’Sa, Vice President of Katapadi Church Parish Pastoral Council Lesley Soares, Convener of Communal Harmony Committee Blanch Cornelio were also present.
Walter Rosario delivered the vote of thanks and Clara D’Silva compered the programme.