Veez Global Illustrated English Weekly e-Magazine. Published from Chicago, USA.

Christmas-God’s Giftof Jesus totheWorld:

Dr. A. F.Pinto

Mumbai (RBI), Dec. 23: Once again, it’s the time of the year when the story of the birth of Jesus Christ born in a humble manger is shared and celebrated throughout the world. The month of December brings a message of goodwill - to love, give and forgive. Christmas is celebrated all over the world with great joy. For children it’s a time of funandexcitement. Christmasrings in the atmosphere of peace and

festivityintheair. Thewholeseason has its own special feel to it and everyone seems to be happier and kinder. It is a season that awakens the spirit of giving and sharing among people. “Jesus Christ” is God’s gift to the entire humankind and the celebration of Christmas beautifully illuminates the significance of His birth. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, Jesus, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” That’s the focal point of Christmas. The Christmas tree, Santa Clause and buying and shopping are just the commercialized peripherals. The celebration ofChristmas sheds light on God’s unconditional and unfathomable love that has no bounds. It is the love of God that sustainsusallthrough.

We celebrate Jesus’ birth and his redeeming love at Christmas and the entire season exhorts us to share God’s love with our

neighbours, poor and needy just as Jesus was a gift shared by God Almighty Father. MotherTeresahas beautifully said, “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas everytimeyousmileatyourbrother and offer him your hand.” Truly, Jesus is born every time we share God’s love with our fellow brothers and sisters. Jesus is the Prince of Peacewho cameto give hope,love, joy, peace, and eternal life. With innumerable problems all around the world where peace seems so difficult, Jesus gives hope, and his message of goodwill becomes relevant for every person on the earth eventoday. Life and message of Jesus and his love is beyond the boundaries of time or culture. His lifewasalifeof unconditional love, the love that

seeks to offer something better for all. Hislove extends beyond usand reaches out to others and impacts the common good of all. This Christmas, let us strive to embody his love and share it with those aroundusinourownlittlewaysthat will certainly bring true joy in our lives. Let usbe open to receive the gifts of love, joy and peace freely given by Jesus in our lives and spread the message of giving, sharing, andcaringfor oneanother. W. T. Ellis had beautifully said, ‘It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.’

Wish you a truly joyful Christmas andaProsperous NewYear2023. Dr.A.F.Pinto Chairman Ryan International Group of Institutions

Piratesof the Caribbean

-Sonal Lobo, Bengaluru

In life, we face both familiar and not-so-familiar circumstances. Through routine incidents, we can plan our actions easily and find respite with some preparation. But when life throws a curve ball and you struggle to cope, it feels tiresome andheart-wrenching.

After marriage, I faced plenty of unexpected situations which I can now proudly say I have dealt with gracefullywithtonsofhelpfrommy husband. Itwould not be wrong ifI said we have dealt with them together. Be it financial difficulties, work stress, mismatch in expectations, family issues, and the

like,wefacedthem all.AndbyGod’s grace, we continued to remain strong as a couple despite facing these difficulttimes.

Oneparticular situationwhichmade it hard for us to deal with was our pregnancy loss. After two years of marriage when I was pregnant for the first time, the celebration was surreal. Everyone around us was happy, excited, and so were we. Deep down though we were scared andnotsureofmanaging this,both ofuslooked forward tothejourney.

After four months of pregnancy when I underwent a miscarriage, it

was apiece ofdevastating news for people around me. My family was heartbroken, my friends were sad, my relatives sent sympathy messagesandallofthemprayed for my well-being. Once I was discharged and brought home, my parentsmade suretheywerealways around me. My mom stayed with me all day to take care of me. After all the visits and conversations during the day, the challenge was spending thenights.

from work. I was not interested in talking, watching movies, or even writing. Somewhere the clock had stood stillforme,andthedayswere stuck too.Justlike my nights.

At 27 years of age, I realized what sleeplessness was! Every night I would lie awake unable to sleep a wink. I could not sleep, could not cry, couldn't do anything! I would just lie on the bed staring blankly. The only person who noticed this was my husband. He would spend some time talking to me. Once he had stayed awake with meallnight. We spoke about nothing in particular. But he was constantly speaking andso wasI.

After a daunting three-four days of restlessness and sleeplessness, my husband suggested we watch a movie instead of staying up pointlessly. The thought of watching a movie was not a very welcoming ideaformebutknowing that he was also going through the same pain as me, I did not want to disappoint him.Hence,Iagreed.

During theday,Iwasinnomood to do anything, I had taken a break

That very night my husband brought thelaptop to bed,setitup, andwaited forme.WhenIlandedin bed,Iwasshocked toseetheposter for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie. Ihadtried towatchitduring the initial days of our marriage but had not developed a liking for it. Knowing this well, my husband still insisted I watch it from the beginning. After a little argument and fighting, I finally said yes and began watching the movie. In the

first hour, I was not interested, but gradually I got into the flow of the movie and enjoyed it. I was so involved in the movie. I laughed after so many days, and I started asking my husband about the conceptsinthemovieabout whichI wasn’t clear.Afteralmost fourdaysI began to talk about something of importance with myhusband.

After this, we both discussed nothing except the movie. We spoke nothing about the miscarriage becausewehadspoken about it enough and more. We did not discuss the medications, we did not discuss our plan for the future, and we did not discuss anything except Johnny Depp! Sounds weird, but it’s thetruth!

restarted my earlier routine and got back tomy old lifestyle.

In hindsight, I realized my husband had chosen a very unconventional method ofdealing withourgrief.He knew talking about it would increase my pain. Meeting friends and family would make it even worse since conversations would revolve mostly around the baby. Just staying silent would be devastating. The unique method he chose was to deviate my mind by making me watch a movie I was leastinterested inandknewnothing about.

For the next five days straight, we watched allthemovies inthe series. By the end of the fifth day, I had slowly begun to bounce back. The movie hadn’t made me forget the pain but had distracted my mind from the pain which definitely helped me. I could sleep again! I

Well,thatdayIrealizedeverycouple findstheir ownwaysofdealing with stress.Therecouldbesome couples whodonotliketodiscusstheirgrief and take a holiday to unwind. On the other hand, there would be couples who wish to besurrounded by people to help them deal with their pain.

Inthe end,it's thecouple who have to find their escape zone to come

out of a tragedy and start reliving again.Aftereight years ofmarriage, my husband and I have our own little waysofdealing withstress and tragedies. Our tragedy did not stop there. I underwent another pregnancy loss along with multiple health issues. This time it was not a movie but prayers and God that helped uswadethrough itstrongly.

WhatIlearned is,nomatterhowbig

the tragedy we facein life,itcanbe overcome withalotoflove,support, andcommitment. Istillaminaweof my husband, because during my pregnancy losses and disappointments, he stood like a rock and discovered ways in which we could manage it gracefully. In every marriage, the couple must take turns standing by each other, hand-in-hand, and sail through the storms oflife.

--

StJohn TheEvangelist Church Shankerpura's centenary year celebrations conclude grandly

Pics

by: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network –Udupi (JD) Udupi, Dec 20: The valedictory ceremony of the centenary year celebrations of St John The Evangelist Church,Shankerpura was held in grandeur on Tuesday, December 20inits premises.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus, Mangaluru Diocese was the main celebrant for the Eucharisticcelebrations.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, Diocese of Mangaluru, Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, Diocese of

Udupi, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, parish priest, Shankerpura, Fr Leslie D'Souza, parish priest, Shirva and other priests from Udupi and Mangaluru diocese concelebrated. In his homily, Dr Peter Paul Saldhanha said, “Pangla is known for jasmine and its fragrance. Fragrance and beauty are the identities of this place. Any person would identify Pangla with the fragrance of jasmine. St John The Evangelist is loacted amidst this

beautiful place. St John The Evangelist by his deepest knowledge has described God as

Love.He explainsGod's love inhow He died for us. Welearnt what love

is in this.John had experienced this love and he described this God as love which is unique in our religion. Thus, Pangla also stands for fragrance of love because here resides St John The Evangelist. Today, we Christians are fragrance of the Lord. He has chosen us to spreadthefragranceoftheLord.Let us be the missionary disciples and understand the message of St John The Evangelist. God spread his

messages through the humble Jesus.Thechurchintroduces ustoa real God, which means love. We have received faith through blood, spirit and water. We have received the certainty of the heavenly presence. We have been taught about the Lord's mysteries through thecatechism.Manyvocations have also emerged from here. Word of God is being spread everyday from here for which we have to be grateful. We would never think of the length and breadth of God's blessings. Eucharist is the greatest wayto thank thealmighty."

A formal felicitation program was alsoheld on theoccasion.

Dr Gerald Issac Lobo presided over theprogram.

DrAloysius PaulD'Souza,DrPeter PaulSaldhanha,Fr Leslie D'Souza, parish priest, Shirva, VinayKumar Sorake, former MLA,Kaup. IndiraS Acharya,president, Katpady Gram Panchayat,Albert Wilfred D'Souza, businessman, Mumbai, FrFerdinand Gonsalves, parish priest, Fr AnilPinto, assistantparish priest andFr Vijay D'Souza,assistantparish priest, John Rodrigues, vicepresident, parish pastoral committee, AnithaD'Souza,

lklklklklklko

secretary and Seema Margaret D'Souza, convener, 20 commissions were present ontheoccasion.

Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, parish priest, Shankerpura welcomed the gathering. In his introductory remarks, Fr Ferdinand said, “In November 2021, our bishop inaugurated the centenary year. It gave an opportunity for all the parishioners to work together and organize various programs. All the programs are very much successful by the grace of god and our patron St John The Evangelist. As many as 17 various programs were organized during this centenary year. This also became an opportunity to increase our faith.”

Msgr Alfred RayanD'Souza,anative of Shankerpura read the apostolic blessings sentby Pope Francis from Rome. Fr Jensil Alva had arranged forthe apostolic blessings.

John Rodrigues, vice president, parish pastoral council, read the history of the church, ”The written history of Pangla is available from 1910. People used to rely on Shirva parish for their religious needs. In 1922, in the month of November, thechapelwasdedicated toStJohn The Evangelist. This is the only parish dedicated to St John The Evangelist in Udupi and Mangaluru dioceses. The jasmine was

introduced to Pangla by Fr Peris. It was a golden time for the Pangla parish. Talents of Pangla have spread across the world today.”

Fr Leslie D'Souza, parish priest, Shirva, addressing the gathering said, “Ifeel veryhappy today. Today is aspecial day for allof us.Various programs havebeenorganizedhere and the entire diocese has made a part of these programs. Pangla was a cradle of vocations. A large number of youths had joined vocational service from this parish. Communion, participation, and mission is being enforced here very effectively. This was my first parish as a parish priest. All the

parishioners have supported me wholeheartedly. This is not just an end, but the mission of love should continue.Iamverymuchgratefulto everyone for this felicitation and honor.”

Vinay Kumar Sorake said, “Within few days we will be celebrating Christmas and New Year. At this juncture, it is a great occasion to celebrate thecentenaryyearsofthis church as well. Completing 100 years is no easy one. Religious celebrations happening here forthe last 100 years, is never easy. The educational institutions of this church havealso contributed to the educational development and financial upliftment has also been done by introducing the jasmine flowers to the locality. In the social field also,many developments have been witnessed here.All thepeople ofthevillagehadparticipated inthe fellowship meal organized on December 15 by the church. I feel blessed to receive the honor from three bishops today.”

Dr Peter Paul Saldhanha conveyed hiswishes onthe occasion.

Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, addressing thegathering, said,“Iam the eldest one among all and I am

happy to celebrate the Holy Eucharist here. The history of 100 years has been written by you and your ancestors. Ihave been familiar with this church since 1958. I used to come to this place when I was studying inseminary.Alotofyouths havejoined thepriestly servicefrom this parish. This was the first parish with the highest number of vocations earlier. Many more vocations should come from this parish in the coming days also.”

Albert Wilfred D'Souza, businessman, Mumbai, onreceiving the felicitation said, “I have been in Mumbai for 49 years. I became reasonably successful due to my roots in Pangla. The catechism, Konkani language and education is the main cause for my success. St John The evangelist is the main inspiration for my institutions. I am always grateful to all the parishioners and thechurch."

Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, in his presidential address, said, “I congratulate all the parishioners. You have completed a fruitful centenary year and are stepping into another century. Praising the lord is the utmost act of faith. We need to praise the Lord for keeping

up our faithfor 100 years. Pangla is a model church to others. The priests who served here have contributed to uplift the faith and also to spread education. The students of these institutions are shining all over the world. This parish standsontop inthereligious and social leaderships. Many leaders have emerged from here and are successful in various fields. Religious, social, and financial development has happened here. Theartists ofthis placehave spread the fragrance of Pangla all over. I remember all the religious and social leaders of this church of yesteryear. Synnod is a community church. I call on everyone to participate in full pledge in the synodial activities. This church should be a model for all other churches of the diocese. Let us identify theneedy ofour parish and help them.”

Former parish priest Fr Vincent Monteiro, Fr Harold C D’Souza, and Fr Leslie D'Souza. former assistant parish priests Fr Ivan Madtha, Fr Vincnet D'Souza, Fr Vincent Sequiera, Fr Royson Fernandes, Fr Roshan D'Cunha, Fr Romeo Lewis. Former heads of St John's

Institutions Fr Vishal Lobo, Fr Vincent Coelho, and FrValerian Mendonca were felicitated on the occasion.

Former vice presidents and secretariesofparishpastoralcouncil BenedictMartis,AnthonyD'Sa,John Lobo, HR Alva, John Martis, Ida Cornelio, Dr Edward Lobo, Henry Castelino, Peter Martis, Flavia Menezes, Mark, Vaz, Clara Mendonca, representatives of Bahrain Pangla Association, Kuwait Pangla Association, Muscat Pangla Association, Panglites in UAE,Saudi Panglites. Donors of the centenary year’s programs, Gurkars of the variouswards werealsohonored on theoccasion.

Bishops Dr Peter Paul Saldhanha and Dr Aloysius Paul Saldhanha were honored on the occasion by theparish.

Dr Peter Paul Saldhanha released thecentenary year souvenir.

Albert Wilfred D'Souza, businessman, Mumbai and Indira Acharya, president, Katapady Gram Panchayat, John Rodrigues, vice president, parish pastoral committee, Anitha D'Souza, secretary and Seema Margaret D'Souza, convener, 20 commissions were also felicitated on the occasion.

Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, parish priest and Fr Anil Pinto and Fr Vijay Dsouza,assistantparishpriestswere honored by the parishioners for their immense service.

Anitha D'Souza, secretary, parish pastoral committee proposed a vote ofthanks.

Wilfred R Pangla and Ashwin Rodrigues compeered theprogram.

Bishop of Mangalore's Christmas message 'the art of caring'

Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore on December 23, 2022, Wecomed Christmas with a press meet at Bishop’s House,

Mangaluru; the highlight at this meet was an exclusive message for CHRISTMAS.

said, "Christmas invites us to learn the art of loving." Further he said, "God became human to teachus the art of loving and self-giving. He has a human face, to help us acquire a divine face. Christ child born in simplicity andpoverty raisesup us

Delivering his Christmas message,

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha

The focus is the little Babe in the crib. There you experience Joy, simplicity, and Peace. Beauty attractsus.God hasbecomesmall,a beautiful babe, and he attracts us. Hedraws ustohimselftolearnfrom him the art of love. Contemplating Jesus'life, Swami Vivekananda said, ‘Had I lived in Palestine, in the days of Jesus of Nazareth, I would have washed his feet, not with my tears, but with my heart's blood’. He founded the Ramakrishna Mission on the eve of Christmas.

The Bishop went on to say, “Like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi also cherished the person and teaching of Jesus. Gandhi forgavethosewhohurthimasJesus forgave those who killed him. For a world beset with many contradictions, Gandhi showed the way of love and forgiveness.

“The effect of corruption ‘a deadly cancer’ is very visible. It deadens conscience. In print, social, and digital media we see everyday instances of hatred, violence, injustice, and brutality. Desire to become powerful and rich at all costs is the predominant thought

on whichthe world runs.Lifeseems to be money centred. God is out of the picture. Religion seems to be a mere superficial show. As a result, people in general do not really feel; they do not shed tears when they seeatragedy andthatisamatter of concern.Instead,some findcomfort only in photographing, videographing, and forwarding brutal messages. Why is the conscience deadened in spite of all religious practices? The sense of sin is numb. What message does Lord Jesus give us in these situations? “Jesus asks us to realize our true nature. Weare created for love, not for hatred. God is love and the enemy of God promotes hatred. Love is heaven and hatred are hell. God became humanto teachusthe art ofloving and self-giving. Hehas a human face, to help us acquire a divine face. The child born in simplicity and poverty raises up our hope by giving us a call to change our ways towards innocence, and love. Among all virtues love is supreme and it lasts forever. May Lord Jesus generate true love among us. Christians manifest love and service. Some people misguide

the gullible to look at the followers ofChrist with suspicion. Those who promote hatred are destroying themselves before they destroy others. They do not have God in them and therefore no hope either. I warmly greet you this Christmas. May the birth of Jesus our Saviour fill into your life with goodness and love. Happy Christmas to you and Blessed New Year 2023,” Rev. Fr J. B Saldanha and Mr Roy

Castelino, the PROs of Mangalore Diocese, Dr John D'Silva, Diocesan Pastoral ParishadSecretary, MrElias Fernandes, Media representative, Rev.FrAnilIvanFernandes,Director, CanaraCommunication Centre,Rev. Fr Maxim Rosario, Estate Manager, Rev. Fr Trishan Dsouza, Bishop’s Secretary andFr ValerianFernandes and Fr Rupesh Madtha editors of Raknno weekly were present.

-VEEZ NewsNetwork. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas Celebration with the DifferentlyAbledinBengaluru

Dhyana Jyothi Trust run by the Carmelite Fathers and Good Sam Foundation jointly organized a Christmas celebration for the differently abled and visually impaired on Dec 18 at KROSS, Da Costa Layout,Bengaluru. Speaking at the occasion Kiran PB the Police Inspector at Pulakeshinagar-Bengaluru said, "I am very much touched by this program. We the Police very rarely

get invitations to such programs. It isdueto theprejudice andfearthat the public have with regard to the Police. Present day police department is very public friendly and works 24x7 for the good and safetyofthepeople." KiranPBisone of the youngest to get the Chief Minister's Gold Medal for meritorious service in theyear 2012

and his family runs a NGO where mentallyretarded childrenaretaken careof.

Rev Fr Richard Pais, the Director of KROSS delivering the Christmas

message said, celebration of festivities should help people to destroy the walls of division and build bridges among people of different casteandcreed.

In the cultural program that followed Christmas carols were sung in different languages and Santadistributed Sweets. Fr. Stifan Perera, OCD the Director of Dhyana Jyothi Trust distributed

blankets and other Christmas gifts andgoodies toallthose present. Dhyana Jyothi Trust established by the Carmelite Fathers and Good SamFoundation by DavidandNelly Pichard work for the well-being of the differently abled especially the visually impaired.

Mrs Nelly Prichard compered the program.

- Sambram Digital.

Clive and Avil chosen for Kittall YouthandArsoJournalismawards

MANGALURU: Clive D’Souza,Boliye, and Avil Rasquinha have been chosen for Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Youth Award and Austin D’Souza Prabhu Family Arso Journalism Award fortheyear 2022. The awards will be conferred on January 1. Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Chicago, editor – publisher of Veez Digital Konkani Weekly and CA Valerian D’Almeida, Abu- Dhabi based entrepreneur and mentor of spearhead group will be presenting

the awards. Both the awards carry a cashcitation. Every year premier Konkani web portal kittall.com honours a youth writer with the Kittall youth Award and Abu Dhabi-based NRI Leo Rodrigues sponsors the award for the one decade. Arso launched asa fortnightly in the year 2013 by Henry Mendonca Pernal, now successfully running in the 9th year as a monthly magazine under the editorship ofnoted poet andlyricist

Wilson Kateel. From this year onwards, Arso will be honoring a senior Konkani journalist, who has contributed to the growth of Konkani journalism substantially. Theaward issponsored byAustinD Souza Prabhu, the editor, and publisher of the one and only illustrated digital Konkani weekly published in Chicago for the past fiveandhalfyears,non-stop.

Avil Rasquinha, served as an editor and publisher of Kannik fortnightly for20long yearsfrom1977 to1997. He started writing at the age of 14 and became the youngest editorpublisher at the age of 20. Apart from publishing Kannik from his Santacruz Press, Avil has published 12 Konkani books. He has acted in

Konkani, Kannada,andTuluDramas andisanactivemember oftheLions Club. Presently he lives in Bellore with hisfamily.

Larry Clive D’Souza of Kutanlnagar with pen name- Clive Souz, Boliye for the last several years. So far he has penned more than 140 poems, two short stories, and about six essays. Presently he is promoting Konkani on digital platforms. So far he has posted seven singles on Youtube and four are ready for launch. Along with singles he has also written and composed two hymns. A graduate of Hospitality Science, he is working as a Chef at Indian Ocean, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Christmasbringscheer andlove

Christmas brings cheer and love,

and parishioners of St Joseph Church celebrated it with the same religious gaiety, fervor, and enthusiasm spreading the message of love and joy among the young andold!Theprogram began at6:30 pm with a prayer song followed by an impressive array of melodious songs, Christmas Tableau in Tulu language, thematic skits and rhythmic dance performances by the vibrant and enthusiastic ward members who added gaiety by vibrantly dressing for the

celebration. There was an add-on surprises of auction of 'kuswar', Housie,foodstallsetc.Theaudience wascompletely spellbound with the Christmas gratification. The program was specially organized keeping in mind its sanctity and relevance. The parish priest Fr Maxim D'Souza expressed his sentiments of gratitude to all those who were responsible for organizing this beautiful programme.

- Sambram Digital

Christmascelebrationsat St.AgnesPUCollege

‘Christmas is the time of the year when people commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a cultural festivity that brings families together in a celebratory mood.’

Christmas celebrations were held with great fanfare by the students andstaffof StAgnesPUCollege on 23rd December 2022. An air of excitement of Christmas cheer prevailed asthestudents decorated the classes and participated in the classwise live crib competition. The other attractions were the photo booth, mehendi stalls, games, face

painting, sale of baked goods and craftitems bythetalented students. An exhibition of various handcrafts displaying the ingenuity of the students wasalso organised. The cultural event began with a prayer song that invoked God’s blessings.

Dr Lovina M Noronha was the distinguished guest of honour and in her address to the gathering, she said that the true spirit of Christmas lies in experiencing God’s presence in our heart. She exhorted the students to put Christ back into Christmas. This

The universal festival of light and hope is all about reaching out and putting asmile on someone’s face.

The auditorium was decorated with twinkling fairy lights, stars, and Christmas decorations. A skit depicting the true spirit of Christmas was enacted by the students. The high-octane western dance performance energised and uplifted the crowd, bringing Christmas cheer to everyone's hearts.Thedulcetvoices ofthestaff and students singing carols lent exuberance to theoccasion.

Crystal Martis hosted the day’s event with flair. Sera Rodrigues introduced the chief guest and welcomed the gathering. Eden Rebecca expressed her gratitude to

everyone who contributed to the success of this happy occasion. The Principal Sr Norine DSouza, Vice Principal Sr Janet Sequeira, faculty and students were a part of theprogramme.

is a peace-loving religion, hallmarked by-Live and let live motto”: Top Cop Shashi Kumar at Bandhutva

Christmascelebration2022

Report and Pics by: Fr Anil Fernandes, Canara Communication Centre

MANGALURU, DEC28: “Christmas is the celebration of Peace. The birth of Christ has brought peace to the world. The Christians across the world epitomize Christ’s peace, joy, tolerance, andsacrifice in their lives and make this world a better place to live in. Christianity is a peacelovingreligion. Themotto, ‘Live and Let Live’ is the hallmark of Christian community,” said Mr N Shashi Kumar, the Police Commissioner of Mangaluru city, addressing the honourable guests of Bandhutva Christmas Celebration held in the evening of December 27, 2022, at Father Muller Convention Centre, Kankanady Mangaluru.

‘Bandhutva’ is the signature programme of Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangalore,tostrengthenthebonds with other religions by promoting the message of peace, harmony, and brotherhood. To break the usualpractice,thisyear, thediocese of Mangalore organised Bandhutva Christmas celebration inassociation with Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Mangaluru.

IPS officer N. Shashi Kumar, Police Commissioner of Mangaluru was the guest of honour at the Bandhutva celebration. Thepolitical leaders; including Ex-Mla J R Lobo, Ex-Minister Ramanath Rai, Ex-MLC Ivan D Souza; luminaries of public administration, city corporators, including Naveen D’souza, officers

“Christianity

fromthedepartments ofHealthand Education including Vice Chancellor of Nitte University Dr Sathish Bhandary, VC of Yenepoya University Dr Vijay Kumar, health, including Dr Bhaskar Shetty (City Hospital) Dr Shantharam Shetty (Tejasvini Hospital), Dr Yusuf

Kumble (Indiana Hospital), officers from banking sector, NGO, Media, religious leaders, heads of Christian institutions were present.

With a grateful heart Mr Shashi Kumar said, “I am overwhelmed to note that that all Catholic Institutions in Mangalore namely Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Roshini Nilaya, St Aloysius College, St Agnes Institutions are very well coordinating with the Police department, and they are generous towards public administration. I am grateful to you.”

Speaking highly of Mangaluru city, Mr Shashi Kumar said, “I am happy to serve Mangalore, a peaceful and educated city. Although the city appears to be sensitive externally, Mangalorean’s are known for mutual respect and mutual coordination. The city comes back to normalcy in any worst situation even when the social fabric is disrupted. Peaceistheresonance of this land.”

MrShashiKumaralsoenthralled the audiencewithhissongandspreada joyful atmosphere around. In his message Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said, “Lord Jesus is born,

notasangeloranimalbutashuman being. That’s why every Christian respects the human being from womb to tomb. Because God has shared our life. The purpose of sharing of His life with us and to resemble usis to make usresemble God that we become a portion of God. He further noted that Christmas unites usall as ‘Bandhu’ and callsto build ‘Bandhutva’ through fraternal love.ThemessageofChristmasisto learn from Jesus to be meek and humble, to be kind and gentle and to respect one another with simplicity, compassion, humility and to become someone similar toHim.

Mr Roy Castelino, PRO of the diocese of Mangalore welcomed the gathering. Father Muller Staff and Nursing students sang Christmas Carols in different languages and danced with Christmas Santa. Dr Kelvin Pais, Liaison Officer FMC cheered the gathering with some games.Rev.Fr Richard Coelho, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions rendered the vote of thanks and said the prayer before the food. Dr Rithesh D’cunha, from the Dept of Anaesthesiology and Dr Shannon Fernandes from the Dept of OBG compeered theprogramme.

Celebrating10thAnniversaryof NaturalChristmasStarMaking

This time a unique star made by 10 different materials

Moodbidire : A unique rotating Christmas star made by Life Seva samsthe of Shirtadi, this star built using grains, millets, mustard, coriander.

ThisNakshatrawillbeputondisplay in the premises of Mount Carmel Church in Shirtadi from December 23rd toJanuary5th ontheoccasion ofChristmas.

The Nakshatra weights 120 kg is 12 feettalland11feetwide,andatthe

center of the Nakshatra is an attractive thatched roof godali depicting the birth ofJesusChrist.

This Nakshatra is designed as a moving model, for which a 1 HP motor and a vehicle housing are fitted.

Prasanna JoelSequeira, head of the organization, worked for 3 continuous weeks to prepare this star. Along with him, members of the organization Naveen Shetty Shirtadi, Cyprian D'Souza Shirtadi, Ramesh Shetty Mangalore, Nagaraj Alangaru havecollaborated.

Specialty* :

Thisorganization hasbeen involved in large scale star making for the past 10 years and has been making stars every year using a unique variety ofmaterials. 10 different types of materials are used forthis Nakshatra. This year star Built using with 1 kg mustard, 1 kg coriander, 1 kg gram, 1 kg millet, 2 kg groundnut, 20 kg raw betel nut, 2 kg dry betel nut, motor, vehicle housing, wooden pieces,thisnakshatra ispowered by

electric, decorated with lights and looks attractive.

ALesson inFriendship

This nakshatra was built with the cooperation of the interfaith

community with the original intention of communal harmony. It oftenspeaks oftheneed formutual peaceand tranquility.

-Prasanna Joel Sequeira, Life Seva Institute.

"ChristmasSouhardhakoota2022"

On 23rd December "Christmas Souhardha koota 2022" washeld in Renkedaguttu, Belthangady. Itwas organised by Christ king ward of Holy Redeemer Church. The program was inaugurated by Dn. Joel Preetham Rego by lighting the lampanddelivered theintroductory words. Littlechildren performed awelcome dance. The chief guests were Fr

CliffordPinto,ShriGaneshAital,Shri Mohammad IsaaqAlFazilKausariin their speeches highlighted the harmony between different religions.

Mr. Jayananda Gowda, Vice President of Belthangadi Town Panchayat was present in the program.

Mrs. Pauline Rego, Mrs Leena D'Souza, Mr. Philip D'Souza, Mrs. JulietPaiswaspresent onthe dais.

Christ king ward members performed christmas tableau and distributed kuswar to all the gathering.

Philip D'Souza welcomed the gathering, mr Walter Monis delivered vote of thanks. Mrs Cecilia's fernandes compeered the program.

Excommunication

Abduction

Abetment to murder, rape, extortion, abduction, hijacking, kidnapping, terrorist actoranyhigh crime.

Abortion except in cases of pregnancy by deception, rape and saving mother’s life.

Acidthrowing Adultery

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Alcoholism/drunkenness

Excommunication should be public. A person who is excommunicated and reason for excommunication should be made known to people. Automatic/latae sententiae excommunications are ineffective.

In addition to the grounds listed below there can be others mentioned in Codes of Canon Law 1917 &1983.

Grounds for excommunication should be following:

Apostasy Arson Astrology

Attempt to murder, rape, extortion abduction, hijacking, kidnapping, terrorist actor anyhigh crime.

Attending massinimproper dress

Baby stealing Banditry, brigandage Bestiality Betrayal

Betting

Black magic Black marketing

Vincent DSouza

Bootlegging

Narcotics and psychotropic substances – Consumption, cultivation, manufacture, saleetc. Notsupporting/voting foraBillthat stops government/taxpayer money funding abortion. Not wearing proper ecclesiastical dress or habit Numerology

Occupying roads

Opposition to death penalty for murder andhigh crimes

Opposition to Columbus Day, statues ofColumbus.

Opposition to Catholic heroes/heroines/institutions/saints. Opting forcremation orotherforms ofdisposal ofdead body other than burial.

Organ removal/transplant from brain dead person

Ownership of bar, casino, pub, tavern.

Palmistry

Pederasty

Piercing ear, nose, or anybody part Pilfering over along time Piracy

Playing heathendeity inaplay,film, TV, or web series

Polyamory Polygamy

Production/transport/sale of heathenreligious object Prestitution Prostitution

Rape

Referring to Christian Era as Common Era.

Referring to Christmas asholidays. Sacrilege – blasphemy, desecration

Manufacture/sale of beedi, cigar, cigarette, and such tobacco products Schism

Sex change/Performance of sex changesurgery

Sexwith corpse Simony

Skipping Sunday/Holy Day of Obligation Mass Smoking

Socialism – includes Nazism Sorcery

Spouse swap

Stealinganobjectputforprotection e.g., manhole cover, net to stop boulder/rock. Sting operation

Supporting same sex marriage/union, euthanasia, assisted suicide, prostitution. Surrogacy

Swindling

Tarot card reading Tattoo Terrorism Threat tocommit suicide Transgender/transexual/transvestit e Treason

Unnatural sex – includes anal/oral/interfemoral sex, dendrophilia, ichthyerastia, masturbation, homosexuality, masochism, sadism,sexwith toy. Vandalism

Voting against death penalty for murder andhigh crimes

Voting in favour of same sex marriage/union, euthanasia, assisted suicide, prostitution. Voting in favour of revealing Confessional secret

Washing feet of non-Catholic on Maundy Thursday

Washingfeetofwomen onMaundy Thursday or a woman allowing washing of her feet on Maundy Thursday

Witchcraft

Worship ofdeities ofother religions or commanding/encouraging/permitti ng it or building place for such worship

-Vincent Augustine D'Souza