Says Jesus spread message of peace, love, unity
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Fr Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, along with a choir at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre on Christmas Day.
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said truth and service are two important messages in the Bible which states that service is the greatest form of love.
He was addressing a gathering at the Festive Christmas High Tea hosted by the Society of Pilar for government officials and Civil service officers in the Pilar Pilgrim Centre on Christmas Day.
Speaking about the ethos of Goa, Sawant said harmony and unity has been the identity of Goa.
He pointed that “in India, often there have been attempts to bring division among people on the basis of caste and religion, however, such attempts have been thwarted by the people of Goa.
“Since 1961, the rest of India sees Goa as the beacon of unity,” he said.
Commenting on the message of Christmas, the chief minister said Jesus came into the world to spread the message of peace, love and unity.
“Truth and service are two important messages in the Bible which tells us that service is the greatest form of love,” said Sawant.
He applauded the members of the Society of Pilar for being at the forefront in the field of education and in preserving the culture and unity of Goa.
The host, Fr Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General of the Society of Pilar, said “Christmas is the celebration of peace, and Jesus the prince of peace, brings love, joy and peace from the Father”.
He further said that “the Church becomes the visible face of Jesus Christ in her service to humankind”.
Speaking about the Society of Pilar and its members, Fr Fernandes said that the Pilar Fathers and brothers are the visible face of Goans throughout India and abroad to carry the message of peace, harmony, joy and love that exists among Goans, although we may belong to different creeds.
He further said that “the Society of Pilar is a small drop in the ocean, which is the church, engaged in the service of our the poor and needy. Though few in number have spread throughout India engaged in educational and social apostolate trying to make a difference in the lives of our people”.
Fr Fernandes thanked the Chief Minister and all the government officials for their support towards the Society of Pilar in carrying forward the mission to serve the poor and the needy. He concluded by saying “Goa is the best brand and blend of unity, culture and harmony that we find in India”.
At the outset of the programme, Fr Lawrence Fernandes, director of the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, welcomed the Chief Minister and all the other dignitaries and guests. He said that “Christmas is a nice day to celebrate our togetherness and share the joy of Christmas”
The Saviourites of Loutolim, a group of over 45 singers and musicians, presented carols in Konkani, Hindi and English for the chief minister and other guests. The chief minister applauded and appreciated Seby Fernandes, the choir master and the group for their versatility.
