By C V Joseph –
Bengaluru, Dec. 19: Karnataka State Chief Minister lauded Christians for their unparalleled service in education and health sectors all over the State and country. He was speaking at a Christmas get-together programme at Archbishop’s House campus here on Thursday, December 19.
The Chief Minister assured the Christians in the State all help through Christian Development Council and said that this system would be further strengthened. Amidst intermittent applause, B S Yediyurappa said Christmas is centred around Jesus who came to establish peace among all sections of people. He wished all the same peace during this Christmas time as well. He said he could only see Hindus, Muslims and Christians as one being the Chief Minister of the State and he is not a person to consider them separately depending on their faith. He insisted and emphasized that all are children of one God. Christians are peace-loving, following the tenets of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus came to establish and institute peace, love, truth and unity among people belonging to all religions, cultures and language groups. The chief minister also complimented on the people-oriented works of Archbishop Peter Machado and Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras who was close to Yediyurappa for long.
Archbishop Peter Machado, in his Christmas message, thanked the chief minister for leading the State into innovation and development. He said the CM is a man of lofty thinking and his ideals could be far-fetching towards prosperity and progress. The C M allotted 1.60 Cr for the poor of the different districts of North Karnataka. The Archbishop acknowledged the CM’s concern for the poor and the minority section of the people. As he thanked him, he also sought more help for the deserving and the down-trodden. The Archbishop said he was happy in the presence of the chief minister, the deputy chief minister, Dr Ashwath Narayan, Ivan D’Souza, a Congress leader, F Fernandez, also a political leader, MLAs N A Haris and Rizwan Arshad, Baskar Rao, ADGP, intelligence among several other dignitaries, senior police and Government officials.
Dr Machado who is also the president of the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council said December 25 is significant not only for Christians but for all. This feast, the birth of Jesus, is a joyous occasion and he offered the CM and all others the festal greetings for a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Earlier, Archbishop emeritus Bernard Moras led all into prayer. He prayed for the State, nation and all leaders. Dr Moras also thanked for the divine intervention in all problems of the people. He concluded the prayer intoning the Lord’s Prayer – “Our Father….”
Msgr C Francis in his welcome address spoke of the incarnation of God Himself. Christmas celebrated world over symbolizes peace, love and joy. Msgr Francis who is vicar general of the Archdiocese made a mention of the various activities of the Archdiocese including educational programmes and health schemes. He particularly pointed out the night shelter set up within the compound of the Archbishop’s House for the people of the streets.
Msgr Francis who is also parish priest of St Patrick’s Church in the city said Archbishop Machado has declared next year as ‘Year of the Poor’. He also said Archbishop emeritus Moras had done a commendable work for the Archdiocese during his tenure. While welcoming the chief minister, he said the CM had allotted funds for the poor Christians and had taken up schemes and developments for them. Msgr Francis welcomed all dignitaries, MLAs, MLC, on the dais and off the stage and high-ranking police officials and other special invitees. Carol singing, instrumental music and Bible-reading formed part of the brief Christmas celebration.
Besides scores of priests and nuns, prominent lay leaders, a host of distinguished guests drawn from various strata of society and different other people were present on the occasion. Christina Arvind, a teacher by profession, compered the entire programme adeptly and skillfully. Msgr S Jayanathan concluded the celebration with a vote of thanks.