MANGALURU: Christmas celebration is reduced to simplicity, said Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.
Sharing the Christmas message, he told reporters on Wednesday, “What we save must be shared with the poor. Jesus who was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger is a symbol of the poor, who go to bed hungry because they have no food, the homeless that sleep on our streets because they do not have a roof, the unemployed who struggle to maintain their families because they have lost their jobs, those affected by Covid and other diseases and do not have money to pay for their medicines, parents who struggle to educate their children because they cannot provide them with the necessary means. Let us engage with the little ones. That gives us immense happiness, “ he said.
The Christians in Manglore diocese during Covid-19 lockdown, have helped to tune of nearly Rs 1.5 crore. “This year, we are going to focus on uplifting the poor, by helping them to repair their houses and provide for other facilities. Let us join hands to strengthen the weak, Bishop said.
Christmas asks us to grow and invites us to creatively develop two crucial things: the culture of encounter and the culture of dialogue with people of different religious faiths and interests. “Today the farmers, the human rights activists call us to stand for truth and justice. Let us intently listen to their voices. Conflict resolution is possible with dialogue with the other. Let us nurture the culture of encounter and culture of dialogue to foster brotherhood and social friendship, “he said.
PROs Roy Castelino, and Fr Victor Vijay Lobo, director CCC Fr Richard D’Souza, and media advisor Elias Fernandes were present.