Souhardha Christmas 2023 at Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail  Back

Souhardha Christmas 2023 at Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail 

Souhardha Christmas celebration was held at the Golden Jubilee Hall of Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail on Sunday, 17th December, 2023 with pomp and colour. The programme began at 3.45 in the evening with traditional Indian drums and Band and the visit of Santa Claus to the venue. The Official Programme began at 4.30 with a Prayer dance performed by the students of St Ann’s High School Kuntikan. The Parish Priest Rev.Fr. Joseph Martis, escorted the guests to the dais and thereafter welcomed the gathering and introduced the speakers of the day: Brahma Kumari Vishveshwari, Moulana Abdul Azziz Dharimi, Rev Fr Chetan Lobo, OFM Cap, and Mr Roy Castelinho.

 In his introductory Speech, Fr Joseph Martis delineated the meaning of Christmas celebration and the significance of celebrating Christmas with all people of good will irrespective of caste and creed. Brahma Kumari Vishveshwari, in her speech highlighted the core message of Christmas as peace, love and forgiveness. She facilitated the participants for a little experience of Meditation which would help a joyful living. Moulana Abdul Azziz Dharimi underscored the importance of living together in harmony in our context. Christmas is an occasion for all of us to celebrate our unity. Fr Chethan Lobo invited the participants to pay close attention to the Crib where Jesus was born and explained that the Crib expresses so poignantly the human reality and enables us to be happy and joyful when we live with simplicity and humility. Mr Roy Castelinho recalled the wonderful days where such organized celebrations did not exist, but had happy and joyful life together with people of all communities, caste and creed. He stressed on bringing those days back by reliving those happy moments. The four speakers were honoured with flower pots and mementos. As a sign of respect and honour, all the heads of different social, cultural, religious association were honoured with a bouquet of flowers. 

Mr Denzil Pinto proposed the vote of thanks. The youth of the parish presented a live Crib before the formal programme. Around 600 people participated in the programme, which included Hindus, Muslims and Christians. All were served with a high Tea and cake. The celebration was colourful, and jubilant. The programme was steered by the Commission for Inter Religious Dialogue, The Core Committee of the Parish, The Youth Commission and strong support and leadership by the Gurkars, Ward Representatives and all the parishioners.

Mrs. Felcy Lobo gracefully compered the entire programme.

Pictures:Simon Pereira