St Lawrence Church Cultural Committee holds ‘Bandutva Christmas Celebration 2023’

Mangaluru: St Lawrence Church Bondel organized a beautiful Bandutva Christmas programme on December 17, 2023, at Benaka Sabha Premises, Padavinamgady, Bondel.

The programme commenced with a welcome dance by the students of St. Lawrence. Dr. Suraj and his team led the Christmas carols. There was a cultural programme by students of adjoining Schools. Mr Manoj Lewis, Mrs Reshma Fernandes, Mrs Sumana Rebello were the compères for the initial programme.

The stage programme began with a warm welcome by Chande. The audience gave a standing ovation to the dignitaries. Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence School Bondel, introduced the guest on dais with a shawl by the Cultural Committee members. The inauguration was done by lighting a lamp.

On the theme of Bandutva Christmas with Alphabet Placards, Dr. Preethi Keerthi D’Souza delivered a heartfelt speech, a profound message that we are pursuing: “Christmas spirit transcends Christmas!”

The Chief Guest, Br. Ranjan Bellarpady, Coordinator-Youth, Education, and Sustainability Programme, said in his address, “Those who show mercy will be blessed, as they will receive it.” The Bible passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: “Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Bondel Parishioners are peacemakers. A “peacemaker” is a person who works to make peace between followers of all religions and God, as well as between ourselves. Bundutava represents the essential tral principle of love and harmony.

Mr A.K. Kukkila, Editor, Sanmarga Magazine & News Channel, said in the keynote address, “Bandutva Christmas,” and raised awareness about the increasing number of suicides, emphasising the need for programmes that promote unity and compassion.

Mr Aloysius D’Souza, Headmaster, St Aloysius School, Urwa: Echoing the teachings of Jesus Christ, he expressed his satisfaction over the celebrations and emphasised the value of loving one another and sharing happiness. In addition to highlighting the necessity of world peace, he praised initiatives like “Bandutva Christmas” for showing people the proper path.

Mrs. Sangeetha Nayak, Corporator, Pachanady Ward, was the guest of honour. The importance of Banduvata and its Christmas colour: Embracing both religious and cultural components, it has multiple dimensions of significance. It’s a time for introspection, spiritual development, bringing disparate communities together, volunteering, and fortifying ties within the family.

Mr Jayand Anchan, mayor of Mangaluru and guest of honour, conveyed the message of peace and stressed communal harmony.

The president of Bandutva and parish priest of Bondel Church, Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, stated the implications of God’s love. John 3:16. Each and every one of us should feel that we are all brothers and sisters and that we are equal.” “Nobody has seen God, but when we love each other, we can feel God,” he continued. God already exists inside of us. We don’t have to look any further than within. Every mosque, temple, and place of worship needs to be centres for spiritual development and places where we accept both the creator and the created. Love for our enemies as well as for our friends will prove that we are true children of God, according to what Jesus said.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, St Lawrence Church, Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence Eng. Med. School, Rev. Fr Lancy D’Souza, Asst. Parish Priest, Br. Ranjan Bellarpady, Mr A.K. Kukkila, Mr Aloysius D’Souza,Mrs Sangeetha Nayak, Mr Jayandand Anchan, Mr John D’Silva Vice President PPC, Mr Santhosh Misquith Secretory PPC, Dr Preethi K. D’Souza Convener Cultural Committee, Mr Colin Miranda Secretory, Cultural Committee were on dais.

Christmas Tableau By James The master shared the message of peace with the audience. The stage programme was compered by Mr Manohar Concesso.

Santa Claus made a thrilling entry and entertained the crowd.

A lucky draw for cakes and gold coins was part of the occasion. Christmas joy was enhanced by the sharing of sweets during the programme with the people gathered.

Mr John D’Silva rendered the vote of thanks.

Photography by Stany Bantwal
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza