Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi Diocese organised a “Christmas Get-together” with media persons at the Bishop’s House on December 19.
Fr Chetan Lobo, Public Relations Officer of Udupi Diocese welcomed the gathering. Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the program by cutting the Christmas cake along with Ganesh Prasad Pandelu (President of Udupi district Working Journalists Association), Rev Fr Charles Menezes (Parish Priest, Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi) and other dignitaries.
On behalf of Udupi Diocese, Uday Padiyar and Sripathi Hegde Hakladi (Udupi District Kannada Rajyotsava Award Winners), and Nazeer Polya (a member of the Beary Academy) were felicitated by the bishop.
Ganesh Prasad Pandelu spoke on the occasion. Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo expressed gratitude and said, “The journalists of Udupi have supported the noble initiatives of the diocese, and they have played a major role in the development of the Diocese”.
Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo also released a book titled “Chetana Chintana” comprising of 150 articles written by Fr Chetan Lobo which were published in “Prajavaani” over a period of three years.
On this occasion, Rakesh Kunjoor, President of Kaup Journalists Association, Secretary Shafi Uchhila, Secretary of Byndoor Journalists Association, Arun Kumar Shiroor and Secretary of Brahmavar Journalists Association Rajesh Ganiga were honoured by the Bishop.
In his Christmas Message, Bishop Lobo highlighted the humanitarian activities undertaken by different parishes of the diocese during the COVID-19 Pandemic irrespective of religious beliefs. He further said that in this period of great health crisis, Christians would celebrate Christmas and New Year emphasizing the spiritual aspects of these festivals rather than external festivities. Bishop Lobo appreciated the reportage of the journalists in their respective media upholding truth and credibility, and said that the journalists are also ‘COVID Warriors’. He also pointed out the Encyclical of Pope Francis regarding the environment which stresses on Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the environment. Bishop Lobo conveyed Christmas greetings to all the journalists and their family members.
Media Coordinator of Udupi Diocese Michael Rodrigues delivered the vote of thanks. Fr Royson compered the programme.