Udupi: The Christmas spirit came alive on Thursday, December 19, as Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Udupi Diocese, hosted a delightful Christmas get-together for members of the local media at the Bishop’s House. This cherished annual tradition serves as a platform for fostering goodwill, camaraderie, and mutual respect between the church and the media fraternity.
The event began with a warm and heartfelt welcome by Bishop Lobo, who expressed his appreciation for the media's presence and their valuable role in society. The gathering was officially inaugurated with the ceremonial cake-cutting, led by Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Southern Diocese, accompanied by prominent figures including Dr. Chandrashekar, Director of Adarsha Hospital, Udupi; Mr B. Manjunath, Information Officer, Udupi District; Mr Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, President, Udupi District Working Journalists Association (UDWJA); Mr Ankith Shetty, Co-convener of Patrika Bhavan; Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General; Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, Parish Priest, Mother of Sorrows Church; Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Public Relations Officer, Udupi Diocese and Mr Michael Rodrigues, Media Coordinator, Udupi Diocese.
In his inspiring address, Dr. Chandrashekar lauded the Christian community for their vibrant celebrations and disciplined lifestyle. He highlighted how their sense of joy and unity serves as a beacon of hope for others. “Udupi is a district known for fostering bonding and brotherhood,” he remarked, emphasizing the community’s commitment to harmony and mutual respect.
Bishop Gerald Lobo, in his presidential message, captured the essence of Christmas, describing it as a celebration of love, peace, and joy. “Christmas is a reminder for us to let peace and love radiate from our hearts, bringing transformative impact to society,” he said, urging everyone to embrace the season’s true spirit.
Rev. Hemachandra Kumar echoed these sentiments, calling for a collective effort to embody the virtues of love, humility, and harmony, as exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ. His words encouraged attendees to strengthen bonds and spread the message of goodwill during the festive season.
Local dignitaries, including B. Manjunath and Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, extended their Christmas greetings and emphasized the importance of togetherness in creating a cohesive and compassionate society.
Michael Rodrigues, Media Coordinator of the Udupi Diocese, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the participants for their involvement and highlighting the valuable partnership between the church and the media. The event was seamlessly compered by Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, who guided the program with charm and grace.
As the evening concluded, the warmth of Christmas resonated among the attendees, leaving them inspired to share the spirit of love and peace with the wider community. The gathering not only celebrated the joy of the season but also reinforced the timeless values of unity and goodwill that lie at the heart of Christmas.
