Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 18 : St Francis Xavier Church Bejai Mangaluru in association with the Commission for inter-religious dialogue, Commission for Justice & Peace and ICYM Bejai unit organised Christmas Souharda Koota on Saturday 16th December, 2023 in front of the Bejai Market Complex .

Rev Fr J. B. Saldanha, Brahmakumari Vishweshwari, Shameer Jhaan, Rev Fr Robert Dsouza, Rev Fr Suraj Lobo, Rev Fr Leston Lobo, Sr Sevrine Crasta, Mr Ashok Pinto, Ms Avitha Pinto & Mr Godwin Pinto were the guests on the dais.

The program began with a prayer service led by Mr Godwin Pinto, Coordinator for the 21 Commissions. During the prayer service, verses were read from the Holy Quran, Holy Bible and the Bhagavad Gita.

Mr Ashok Pinto, Vice President of Bejai PPP welcomed the guests and the gathering.

Speakers for the day were Brahmakumari Vishweshwari of Urwa, Shameer Jhaan, Trustee of Shanthi Publication Trust and Rev Fr J. B. Saldanha, Parish Priest of Bejai Church, who gave messages on Christmas - A Celebration of Peace.

Children 's Choir led by the Choir Master Mr Ivan Mascarenhas sang Kannada Christmas Carols.

Students of Lourdes School performed two dances, one for eradicating drug abuse, another for the birth of Jesus Christ.

ICYM & YCS youth under the leadership of Rev Fr Leston Lobo S.J. sang the Christmas Carols. Ms Avitha Pinto, Secretary of Bejai P.P.P. delivered the vote of thanks.

There was a crowd of around 300 catholic & non catholic people. Cake and juice was distributed to all.