Bengaluru: On the occasion of Deepavali, Archbishop Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore and President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC), extended his greetings to the people of Karnataka.
In his message, the prelate said, “May the Divine Light expels darkness of selfishness and enkindles joy and hope in all.”
“All world religions speak about the sacredness of Divine Light and the power it has to expel the darkness of selfishness, avarice, animosity and hatred and to fill our lives with the light of love, mercy and compassion needed to lead a meaningful life,” he said.
Archbishop Machado wished the people of Karnataka, especially those who celebrate Deepavali, a Happy Festival of Lights, and prayed that may the Supreme Light illumines their minds, enlightens their hearts and strengthens the human bonds in their homes and communities.
His Grace said, “Let each one’s earnest plea to God, on this happy occasion be, ‘Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya’ (Lead me from darkness to light), as stated in Brihadaranyaka Upanishads. Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World also exhorts us, in Mathew’s Gospel: “You are the light of the World. Make your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mathew 5:16).
Commenting on our Prime Minister’s recent meeting with Pope Francis, Archbishop Machado said, “The entire nation, especially the Catholic Community, is greatly delighted to know of his historic personal meeting of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with His Holiness Pope Francis on 30th October, and his cordial invitation to Pope Francis to visit India. While appreciating his goodwill in inviting His Holiness to our country, we wish that the Pope’s visit to India is made possible, and that it will happen in the near future.”