By Louis Rodrigues –
Belgaum: Christmas celebrations at the Bishop’s house in Belgaum had a great relevance this year. The two BJP MPs who were caught in a heated exchange on Tuesday morning, over a protocol issue on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the railway overbridge here, were seen at peace and jovially took part in the Christmas celebration program that was held at the bishops house here. Thus, the organisers of the Christmas celebration were privileged to see both the MPs sitting together and exchanging greetings. Rev Fr Eusebio Fernandes, the administrator of the diocese presided over the function.
During the Christmas celebration programme that was held late Tuesday evening, Belagavi Lok Sabha MP Suresh Angadi and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Prabhakar Kore caem together and celebrated Christmas setting aside the morning quarrel. Law & Order DCP Seema Latkar, KLES MD & CEO Dr M V Jali, Lakeview Hospital Directors Dr Shashikant Kulgod and Dr Girish Sonwalkar extended their greetings to the community. A Christmas cake was cut to commemorate the day.
In his welcome address, secretary of the Belgaum Diocese Board of Education (BDBE) Rev Fr Allwyn Sudhir briefed about the work of the diocese in the field of education and social welfare, especially in the rural areas of the districts of Belagavi, Bagalkote, Dharwad, Haveri & Gadag. “The BDBE is observing its Golden Jubilee year and the valedictory function would be held on January 15,” he said.
In his address Rev Fr Eusebio Fernandes urged people to understand that true message of Christmas that lies in extending the celebrations to the poor and the marginalised, who are otherwise left out of the feast celebration. He also urged people to observe religious harmony amid religious plurality.
MP Dr Suresh Angadi said that Christmas is special as birthday of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and it was a privilege to inaugurate the new railway over head bridge on this day. Dr Prabhakar Kore too lauded the services of the diocese of Belgaum and said that he would extend his cooperation for any educational and upliftment project.
DCP Seema Latkar too extended the greetings to the community. Louis Rodrigues compared the celebration and extended gratitude to the dignitaries for their presence and cooperation.
Christmas carols were also sung by students of St Xaviers High School on the occasion and the presence of Santa Claus added solemnity to the function. Former Vicar General Rev Msgr Lucio Mascarenhas, Rev Fr Franky Lobo, priests and nuns were present on the occasion.
Photo: Rev Fr Eusebio Fernandes, MP Suresh Angadi, MP Dr Prabhakar Kore, Louis Rodrigues, Fr Allwyn, DCP Seema Latkar and others on the occasion of the Christmas celebration program.