‘Wisemen and Shepherd’ attend Christmas Celebration/Dinner hosted by SAC Jesuit Family
“Close Friends and Well-Wishers”, fondly called as “Wise Men and Shepherd” during a speech by Fr Dionysius Vaz Sj-Rector of St Aloysius College Institutions attend Christmas Celebration/Dinner hosted by St Aloysius institution Jesuit Family on Sunday, 17 December 2017 at 7 pm in St Aloysius High School auditorium.
Mangaluru: Fr Dionysius Vaz- the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions-Mangaluru in his invitation to the closest friends of Jesuit Family who are at the helm of various designations at St Aloysius College Institutions had these very touchy and emotional words, which read -” The message of Christmas is Simple- “Do as God Did-BECOME HUMAN”! We the Management of St Aloysius College Institutions-Mangaluru cordially invite you to the festive celebration of “CHRISTMAS”- and we thank you for being a friend and well-wisher of our institutions. Your presence will enhance our joy”. Truly that was kind words of wisdom from the Rector, just as God had done, by becoming very Human.
The response to the invitation from the Rector was great, with many well-wishers and friends showing up in large number to partake in the Christmas celebration and fellowship meal, which was held on Sunday, 17 December 2017 at 7 pm in St Aloysius High School Hall. Even though many of the district administration authorities, among whom were Sasikanth Senthil IAS- Deputy Commissioner of DK (as chief guest); T R Suresh-Police commissioner of Mangaluru (guest of honor);- but unfortunately they couldn’t make it -since they had to make certain arrangements for PM Modi’s visit to Mangaluru at the last minute. Anyways, it’s always nice to have a Alumni of St Aloysius College, and Allen C A Pereira -the former Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra was invited to be the chief guest for the occasion.
The celebration began with a beautiful song – and since Christmas is all about Love, Peace and Harmony, Fr Amith D’souza Sj had picked the right song- “Love changes Everything” by Michael Ball, and the lyrics touched the hearts of everyone present in the audience- then followed yet another song “When the Child is Born (Ray of Hope) by BoneyM. The welcome address was delivered by Fr Denzil Lobo- the former Rector, who also briefed about the meaning of Christmas. To keep the audience in the mood of Christmas spirit, the choir of St Aloysius PUC sang a few Christmas carols, which enlightened the joy and goodwill of the season.
Chief guest Allen Pereira addressing the gathering said, ” Yes, Christmas carols bring people together and also spreads the joy, peace, harmony and goodwill during this happy and joyous season. The message of Christmas is simple-that we are all children of God, and that irrespective of caste and creed we should unite and live in harmony, rather than get into conflicts, hate, disharmony and jealousy. Now what is the true meaning of Christmas?” The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. And we should all thank Fr Dionysius Vaz for bringing us here and spread the meaning of Christmas through love”.
Fr Dionysius Vaz in his message to the august gathering said,” I am really overwhelmed to see you all in large numbers joined here to take part in the Christmas celebrations. You are like the wise men and shepherd, and in the other words you are our closest friends and well-wishers. The Christmas message is simple-Do as God did-Become human! The real Christmas story is the story of God’s becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8). Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.”
“The true meaning of Christmas is love. God loved His own and provided a way—the only Way—for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). As we have all joined here to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, let us also look forward to live in unity with love, peace and harmony, and also look forward for a forthcoming year 2018 free of hate, communal tension and disharmony” added Rector.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr Praveen Martis Sj-the Principal of St Aloysius College, and the entire function was professionally compered by Dr Alwyn D’sa. Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas to you all, well in advance from Team Mangalorean.