Mangaluru: St Lawrence Church Bondel organized the beautiful Bandhutva Christmas programme on Dec 17, 2023, at Benaka Sabha Premises, Padavinamgady, Bondel.
The programme commenced with a welcome dance by the students of St Lawrence, Dr Suraj and his team led the Christmas carols. There was a Cultural Programme by Students of Adjoining Schools. Manoj Lewis, Reshma Fernandes, Sumana Rebello were the compère for the initial programme.
The stage programme began with a warm welcome by Chande, the audience accorded a standing ovation to the dignitaries. Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence School Bondel, introduced the guest on the 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, “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. Bundutava represents the essential tral principle of love and harmony.
A.K Kukkila – Editor _Sanmarga Magazine and News Channel: in the keynote address said, “Bandhutva Christmas” and raised awareness about the increasing number of suicides, emphasizing the need for programs that promote unity and compassion.
Aloysius D’Souza: Headmaster St Aloysius School, Urwa: Echoing the teachings of Jesus Christ, he expressed his satisfaction over the celebrations and emphasized 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..
Sangeetha Nayak: Corporator Pachanady Ward was the guest of honour: The importance of Banduvata and its Christmas colour: Embracing both the religious and the 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.
Jayand Anchan, Mayor of Mangaluru and the Guest of Honour conveyed the message of peace and stressed 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. 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 a centre for spiritual development and a place where we accept both the creator and the created. Love for our enemies and 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, A.K Kukkila, Aloysius D’Souza, Sangeetha Nayak, Jayandand Anchan, John D’Silva Vice President PPC, Santhosh Misquith Secretary PPC, Dr Preethi K D’Souza Convener Cultural Committee Colin Miranda secretory, Cultural committee were on dais.
Christmas Tableau By James Master shared the message of peace with the audience. The stage programme was compere by 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 sharing sweets during the programme with the people gathered.
John D’Silva rendered the vote of thanks
Photography by:- Stany Bantwal
Report by:- Meena Serrao Barboza
