PANAJI
The Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai and First Lady Adv K Rita on Thursday hosted a get-together and lunch for the Christian brethren. The occasion was marked by singing of Christmas carols, prayers, messages and blessings.
Representatives from the Archbishop's house, the local parish priests, Martho Maa Sabha, St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church and representatives from various social service institutions along with Raj Bhavan staff were present on the occasion.
Lauding the Governor for organising a get-together of various Christian denominations involved in social work, Episcopal Vicar for South Fr Lucio Dias said Christmas holds the essence of unity and harmony among the people.
“It promotes peace, love, and friendship. Despite having religious differences, people come together and celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm,” said Fr Dias, while delivering his Christmas message on the occasion.
“Christmas is not a message about Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Star, Mary, Joseph or Manger. It's about God sending his Son Jesus Christ for the whole world.”
“Christmas, or coming of Jesus into the world, brought us peace in three ways. Firstly, Jesus brought us peace with God. Secondly, Jesus brought us peace with our own self and Jesus brought us peace with others.”
Fr Dias said Christmas is always associated with peace as much as it is associated with love and joy.
“One of the many challenges we face in our life is when our relationships are broken or in chaos. And when we find it difficult to mend the broken relationship, we need the Prince of Peace to intervene and bring peace and restoration in our relationships.”
“Jesus came to bridge the gaps, bring people together and restore broken relationships. As followers of Jesus, we need to live in peace with others,” he added.
The programme included carols by Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem and carols in Malayalam.
Governor Pillai has been a people-friendly governor and has taken several initiatives to reach out to the needy and distressed, ever since he assumed office on July 15.
It may be recalled, governor Pillai while on a visit to St Joseph's Home at Igramoll, Quepem extended financial assistance and proposed a Raj Bhavan tour to the homeless and destitute. Last month, the governor hosted around 60 senior citizens along with caretakers for a get-together at Raj Bhavan.
In a historic decision on October 9, Pillai publicly announced his policy that Raj Bhavan will be brought under the purview of the Right to Information Act.
Representatives from the Archbishop's house, the local parish priests, Martho Maa Sabha, St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church and representatives from various social service institutions along with Raj Bhavan staff were present on the occasion.
Lauding the Governor for organising a get-together of various Christian denominations involved in social work, Episcopal Vicar for South Fr Lucio Dias said Christmas holds the essence of unity and harmony among the people.
“It promotes peace, love, and friendship. Despite having religious differences, people come together and celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm,” said Fr Dias, while delivering his Christmas message on the occasion.
“Christmas is not a message about Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Star, Mary, Joseph or Manger. It's about God sending his Son Jesus Christ for the whole world.”
“Christmas, or coming of Jesus into the world, brought us peace in three ways. Firstly, Jesus brought us peace with God. Secondly, Jesus brought us peace with our own self and Jesus brought us peace with others.”
Fr Dias said Christmas is always associated with peace as much as it is associated with love and joy.
“One of the many challenges we face in our life is when our relationships are broken or in chaos. And when we find it difficult to mend the broken relationship, we need the Prince of Peace to intervene and bring peace and restoration in our relationships.”
“Jesus came to bridge the gaps, bring people together and restore broken relationships. As followers of Jesus, we need to live in peace with others,” he added.
The programme included carols by Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem and carols in Malayalam.
Governor Pillai has been a people-friendly governor and has taken several initiatives to reach out to the needy and distressed, ever since he assumed office on July 15.
It may be recalled, governor Pillai while on a visit to St Joseph's Home at Igramoll, Quepem extended financial assistance and proposed a Raj Bhavan tour to the homeless and destitute. Last month, the governor hosted around 60 senior citizens along with caretakers for a get-together at Raj Bhavan.
In a historic decision on October 9, Pillai publicly announced his policy that Raj Bhavan will be brought under the purview of the Right to Information Act.
