Udupi Diocese holds Christmas get-together with media fraternity

Udupi: Diocese of Udupi celebrated a Christmas get-together with the media fraternity at Ave Maria Hall, Mother of Sorrows premises here on Dec 16, 2022.

Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi presided over the programme. Sharmila S., Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the Udupi District Legal Services Authority was the chief guest.

The chief guest Sharmila S said that media persons are like the mirror to society and their role in society is to convey the correct news and information to the people. They are the fourth pillar of the country. If journalists are truthful and strictly committed to their profession, then we can see that they maintain their profession truthfully. Indeed, journalists have to be courageous in exposing the wrongdoings of anyone in authority and uphold the rights and dignity of the common people.

Moreover, she said that the festival of Christmas has spread the message of peace and love to the world. Let’s try to live according to the message of Jesus Christ.

In his presiding message, Bishop Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said that when Christmas comes, it will come to our mind that God’s Son Jesus Christ was born in the Crib which comprises a family surrounded by animals like sheep, cattle, camels, the angel, shepherds, kings, earth and sun united and we can see everyone gathered around in the crib. The Crib conveys a message of peace and love to us. The true meaning of love is sacrifice and Jesus has shown the true meaning of sacrifice and love by being born in a little crib and dying on the cross. We are all brothers and sisters. When we love the earth, then we can have love and affection. Christmas means God is with us. Christmas is an inspiration for peace and love. Let our relationship be filled with love and affection.

Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, President of the Udupi District Working Journalists Association and Manjunatha, District Information Officer were speaking during the occasion.

Ajith Aradi, Convener of Udupi Patrika Bhavan and Ankit Shetty Co-convener of Udupi Patrika Bhavan were felicitated by the Bishop and dignitaries on the dais during the occasion.

Very Rev. Fr Roshan D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Very Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca, Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Very Rev. Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, priests and others were present.

Earlier, Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese welcomed the gathering.

Michael Rodrigues, Diocesan Media Convener delivered a vote of thanks and Rev. Fr Royson Fernandes, Editor of ‘Uzvaad’ compered the programme.

Prior to the fellowship meal, the Bishop distributed cakes and greeting cards to all the media persons.