Mangalore Diocese News

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
Photography : Stany Bantwal

Mangaluru, Dec 18 : St Lawrence Church Cultural Committee organized a beautiful Bandhutva Christmas programme on December 17, 2023 at Benaka Sabha Premises, Padavinangady, Bondel.

The programme commenced with a welcome dance by the students of St. Lawrence ,Dr Suraj & his team led the Christmas carols. There was a Cultural Programme by Students of Adjoining Schools. Mr Manoj Lewis , Mrs Reshma Fernandes, Mrs Sumana Rebello were the compères for the initial programme.

The stage programme began with a warm welcome by Chende , the audience accorded a standing ovation to the dignitaries . Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves , Principal of St Lawrence School Bondel, introduced the guest on dais with a shawl by the Cultural Committee members. The inauguration was done by lighting a lamp.

On the theme of Bandhutva Christmas with Alphabet Placards, Dr. Preethi Keerthi D'Souza delivered a heartfelt speech, a profound message that we are pursuing: "Christmas spirit transcends Christmas!"

The Chief Guest Br Ranjan Bellarpady Coordinator-Youth , Education and Sustainability Programme, in his address said, "Those who show mercy will be blessed, as they will receive it." The Bible passage from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: "Happy are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God." Bondel, Parishioners are peacemakers. A "peacemaker" is a person who works to make peace between followers of all religions and God, as well as between ourselves. Bandhutava represents the essential tral principle of love and harmony.

Mr A.K Kukkila – Editor , Sanmarga Magazine & News Channel , in the keynote address said, "Bandutva Christmas" and raised awareness about the increasing number of suicides, emphasizing the need for programs that promote unity and compassion. 

Mr Aloysius D’Souza , Headmaster St Aloysius School, Urwa , Echoing the teachings of Jesus Christ, he expressed his satisfaction over the celebrations and emphasised the value of loving one another and sharing happiness. In addition to highlighting the necessity of world peace, he praised initiatives like "Bandhutva Christmas" for showing people the proper path..

Mrs Sangeetha Nayak, Corporator Pachanady Ward was the guest of honour. She highlighted the importance of Banduvata and its Christmas colour. Embracing both religious and cultural components, it has multiple dimensions of significance. It's a time for introspection, spiritual development, bringing disparate communities together, volunteering, and fortifying ties within the family.

Mr Jayand Anchan Mayor of Mangaluru / guest of honour conveyed the message of peace and stressed on communal harmony .

The president of Bandhutva / Parish priest of Bondel Church, Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D'Souza, stated The Implication of God's Love . John 3:16. "Each and every one of us should feel that we are all brothers and sisters and that we are equal." "Nobody has seen God, but when we love each other, we can feel God," he continued. God already exists inside of us. We don't have to look any further than within. Every mosque, temple, and place of worship needs to be centers for spiritual development and places where we accept both the creator and the created. Love for our enemies as well as for our friends will prove that we are true children of God, according to what Jesus said.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest St Lawrence Church , Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves –Principal St Lawrence Eng. Med. School, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza, Asst Parish Priest, Br Ranjan Bellarpady ,Mr A.K Kukkila, Mr Aloysius D’Souza, Mrs Sangeetha Nayak, Mr Jayandand Anchan, Mr John D’Silva Vice President PPC, Mr Santhosh Misquith Secretary PPC , Dr Preethi K D’Souza Convener Cultural Committee, Mr Colin Miranda secretary - Cultural committee were on the dais.

Christmas Tableau by James Master shared the message of Peace with the audience. The stage programme was compered by Mr Manohar Concesso.

Santa Claus made a thrilling entry and entertained the crowd.

A lucky draw for cakes and gold coins was part of the occasion. Christmas Joy was enhanced by the sharing of sweets during the programme with the people gathered..

Mr John D’Silva rendered the vote of thanks.