Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 27 : 

Christmas is a time of Peace and Hope
Christmas is sharing and caring

As bells tolled, a sea of devotees thronged St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga, decked up with lights, solid and beautiful crib to solemnize the feast of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin ‘in carne’ means ‘enfleshment’) with pep and euphoria on December 24, 2021.

Celebrating advent is spiritual preparation marked by an eager longing for the birth of Jesus Christ- An advent wreath featuring 4 candles lighting one candle of the advent wreaths each Sunday with themes of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. The capsulized anecdotal presentations and Meaningful Reflections by Fr Anil D’Mello, Parish Priest depicting each theme found a unique niche as a sterling collection of Self Development pearls.

On December 24 when the clock struck 7 pm parish choir sang mellifluously the songs of praise and joy (Christmas Carols), permeating the significance of creed, happiness and concord and festive cheer and sense of togetherness. The Christmas Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Rudolf Ravi D’Sa, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital and concelebrated by Rev Fr Anil D Mello, Parish Priest, Rev Fr Michael Tauro and Rev Fr Timothy Saldanha. Rev Fr Anil extended a warm and sociable welcome to the Guest Priests and parishioners assembled in large numbers to celebrate the great mystery of Redemption and introduced Rev Fr Rudolf to the congregation. In his homily, Fr Rudolf stated the reasons for an Omnipotent and perfectly good God to become incarnate and to work towards bringing about a Kingdom of Justice, love and Peace. Each reason was well marinated with the right measure of select quotes and vignettes that enlightened the congregation to live life in its fullness and beauty.

The Parish Priest announced the names of parishioners who generously contributed for the feast and Fr Rudolf distributed blessed candles.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, the vibrant ICYM took each one of the audiences to a cultural extravaganza that included a medley of music, dances and housie game kept the Parishioners at the edge of their seats. A captivating dance to the song “Joy to the World “by Aspirants of “Carmel Ashram “performed with verve and gusto spread the light of elation in the hearts of viewers.

Rev Fr Anil D Mello in his Presidential Address inseminated that Christmas should not end in external celebrations, it should be a moment of special welcome to Jesus Christ, the God who came to dwell amongst mankind. The most expressive celebration of Christmas is to love, forgive and serve all in the spirit of unity and brotherhood as Jesus Christ did.

The programme was compered by Aveen and Rovita. Kevin, President of ICYM welcomed the gathering and Jackson proposed the vote of thanks.