Mangaluru: CODP – ISD and RUSEMP staff Christmas Get-together celebrated Christmas Get-Together on Monday, December 23 at CODP hall.
The well-wishers, neighbours and staff of CODP-ISD-RUSEMP participated in the programme.
The programme commenced with a prayer song led by Lydia and team. This was followed by carols singing by the staff of CODP.
The Chief Guest was Shakila Kava, Corporator of Mangaluru City Corporation.
The others present on the dais were Rev. Fr Dr John Fernandes, retired professor of St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Rev. Fr Vincent Monteiro Parish Priest of Bendur Church, Rev. Fr Oswald Monteiro Director of CODP, Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza Designate Director of CODP and Sandya, Branch Manager of IOB, Padavu branch.
Rev. Fr Oswald Monteiro welcomed the dignitaries and the other participants. In his speech, he explained that the core of Christmas is happiness.
“This happiness is received as per the beatitudes that is simplicity, mercy, trust, service, forgiveness and by sharing our goodness and time”, he said.
Rev. Dr John Fernandes, in his speech, said that the meaning of Christmas is Peace, love, humanness and serving the needy of our society. He said that God sent his only begotten son Jesus Christ into this world to save us from sins so that we can enter the kingdom of heaven. Only when we live in peace, God gets the glory.
Shakila Kava wished all the participants a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year 2020. She said in her speech that in the name of CODP the words “Peace and Development” are mentioned. She further said that only if there is peace in our society we can all live in harmony and progress.
Rev Fr Vincent Monteiro, distributed the Christmas gifts to all the participants. He said that Christmas is a festival of peace, forgiveness and sharing our happiness with each other and spreading love among our friends, relatives and neighborhood.
