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Udupi : Most Rev De. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese said that Jesus, who was born two thousand years ago, preached that God is love and peace. He showed that God is in our midst. He taught that humility is essential to receive God’s love. Selfless love is to pour out everything without holding back anything for yourself. In order to the security of the human kind, Jesus came to the world and gave his love to people. He said that Christmas is a great occasion to tell the story of this selfless love of God.

He was speaking while inaugurating a Suahardha Christmas celebration felicitation programme organized by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh  at Anugraha, Diocesan Pastoral Center on Saturday.

He said that the festival of Christmas heralds peace. It inspires us to be instruments of peace, ambassadors of peace. Meanwhile he said that if the flame of love of the birth of Jesus is to shine in our minds, we should be selfless with a spirit of service as Christ’s form of love.

Abdul Aziz Udyavara, a member of Udupi District Muslim Okkoota, who was present as the chief guest, said that such programs to inspire harmony feel like irrigation of rainwater in a barren land. Through this, by living together in the society, it is possible to make the society a garden of peace for all races, he said.

Another chief guest Sundar Master of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti spoke during the occasion and hailed the organizing the most important programme in order to divert the people with communal values and also appreciated the Christian communities’ role in the growth of the country through education, health and peace with all the people.

Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of the diocese spoke and blessed the occasion.

M.CC Bank, Chairman Anil Lobo Fermai who received the Sahakara Ratna award was felicitated during the occasion.

Meanwhile journalists Sasidhara Mastibailu, Mohammed Sharif, Nazir Polya, Srikanta Hemmadi, Justin Errol D’Silva, social workers Haji Abdullah Parkala, Aisha Bhanu, Vishu Shetty Ambalpadi, Ishwar Malpe, Mary Shrestha, Clarence D’Souza, Henry Santumayer, Arun Fernandes, Wilson Rodrigues, Mary Mascarenhas, John Sequeira and Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh President were felicitated.

Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh President Santosh Cornelio presided over the programme. Immediate Past President Mary D’Souza, Designated President Ronald D’Almeida, Olivia D’Mello General Secretary, Gerald Rodrigues, Hon. Treasurer and Melwyn Aranha Convener of the programme were present on the dais.

Ex-Presidents Dr. Gerald Pinto, Valerian Fernandes, Walter Cyril Pinto, Alphonse D’Costa, Media Committee Coordinator Michael Rodrigues and Catholic Sabha members were present.

Melwyn Aranha welcomed the gathering and Olivia D’Mello delivered vote of thanks. Dr. Gerald Pinto compared the programme.