Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release
PC: Clanute Cj

Mangaluru, Dec 23 : An inter religious celebration of Christmas was organized by St Francis Xavier church, Bejai in collaboration with Lions & Leo Club – Bejai Unit, Catholic Sabha – Bejai Unit, the Commission for Justice and Peace and the Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue of Bejai church on 20th December, 2024 in St Francis Xavier Church Hall.

The representatives of various religions, namely, Mr Mohammad Kunhi, the State Secretary of J.I.H. Karnataka and the Administrator of Shanthi Prakashana, Mangalore and Mr Dinesh Hegde Ulipadi, Advocate and Social Activist were the special invitees as guests of honour for the occasion.

Fr J B Saldanha, Parish Priest; Fr Norman Mathias, Assistant Parish Priest; Sr Sevrine Crasta, Superior, Angela Convent; Mr Ashok Pinto, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Parishad; Mrs Avita Pinto, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Parishad; Mr Godwin Pinto, Co-ordinator of 21 Commissions; Mr Rohan Sequeira, President, Catholic Sabha, Bejai Unit; MrShanon Pinto, Secretary, Inter-Religious Dialogue, Bejai Church and Mr Joseph Saldanha, Secretary, Commission for Peace and Justice, Bejai Church were the other dignitaries on the stage.

The celebration began with the uncovering of the cloth placed on the statue of baby Jesus by the dignitaries. The choir from Lourdes Central School, Bejai invoked God’s blessings on the event by singing a prayer song. The hostel students of St Angela Convent, Bejai performed a traditional welcome dance to welcome the gathering.

Mr Ashok Pinto and Mr Shanon Pinto introduced the guests to the gathering. The guests of honour addressed the gathering inviting everyone to build a society filled with the spirit of love and brotherhood. Rev. Fr J. B. Saldanha highlighted the message of Christmas in his address.

Mr Rohan Sequeira welcomed the gathering and Mrs Avita Pinto thanked everyone. Mr Godwin Pinto compered the event.

A dance and a skit were performed by St Francis Xavier School children as a part of the cultural program. Ward members of St Luke ward, church A, presented a unique drama narrating the birth narrative of Jesus.

Towards the end of the event, the ICYM members sang carols and people joined the Santas and danced along with them to enrich the joy of the celebration. The event left a significant mark in making communities join in celebrating religious festivals.