Mangaluru: His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, urged the Christian community to become “artisans of peace” and “truth bearers” during a special pre-Christmas gathering titled At the Threshold of Christmas: Christian Witness in Times of Change. The event, held on 5 December at St Anthony Ashram’s Sambhram Hall in Jeppu, was organised by the Konkani Catholic Lawyers’ Guild (KCLG), the Diocese of Mangalore and the Diocesan Commission for Lay Faithful.
Cardinal’s keynote: Witness through presence and dialogue
Delivering the keynote, Cardinal Ferrao said Christian witness is primarily about making Jesus present through one’s life. Drawing from Pope Francis’ call for a “culture of encounter,” he urged the faithful to foster peace, build meaningful relationships and engage in dialogue across communities.
“We are called to be the artisans of peace,” he emphasised, encouraging lawyers, businesspersons, professionals and media workers to exercise “prophetic leadership” with compassion and courage. The Cardinal reminded the audience of their responsibility to challenge injustice, defend the marginalised and “build bridges, not breaches” in moments of social tension.
Dr Praveen Martis: Creating counter-narratives
Responding to the keynote, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) and President of the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India, reflected on demographic and cultural changes in Mangaluru. He noted the decline in vocations and marriages, rise of single-child families and increasing youth aspirations.
“In such times, Christian witness requires courage to fight false narratives, uphold justice and adapt to technological change,” he said. Dr Martis urged the faithful to step out of their “comfort zones” and build inspiring counter-narratives rooted in truth and solidarity.
Interactive discussion enriches the gathering
Following the keynote responses, the session opened for audience interaction moderated by Dr Alwyn D’Sa, former Registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). Participants engaged in thoughtful dialogue on the relevance of Christian witness, community leadership and contemporary societal challenges.
Bishop Saldanha: Denounce and announce
Presiding over the event, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, highlighted the twin responsibilities of the faithful.
“We must denounce fake narratives, crimes and injustice through writing and media,” he said. “At the same time, we must announce the Good News that Jesus dwells in every heart, and Christian ethos is alive in all people.”
His message framed Christian leadership as both courageous and deeply compassionate.
Dignitaries enrich the occasion
The gathering was attended by several notable dignitaries including Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Fr J. B. Crasta (Secretary, Diocesan Commission for Lay Faithful), and Mr M. P. Noronha (Principal District Government Pleader). Also present were Dr John D’Silva (Secretary, Diocesan Pastoral Parishad), Mr Roy Castelino (Diocesan PRO), religious superiors, priests, sisters and members of the KCLG.
The programme was compered by Sr Rency SRA. Advocate Sushanth C. A. Saldanha, President of the KCLG, extended the welcome address, while Mrs Loveena Paneer delivered the vote of thanks.
A meaningful beginning to the Christmas season
The gathering set a reflective tone for the Christmas season, encouraging the community to embrace peace, dialogue and renewed commitment to justice—values at the heart of Christian witness in a world of rapid change.