Celebrating X'mas through helping needy, says Bishop

Mangalore Diocese Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza in his Christmas message on Friday, said that the Mangalore Diocese will celebrate Christmas in the form of helping the needy and deprived class of society.

Addressing media persons to convey Christmas greetings at Bishop’s house, he said the Diocese will mark the celebration by providing scholarships worth Rs 10 lakh to 50 students from economically poor background who are pursuing higher education.

In addition, clothing worth Rs five lakh will be provided to poor people in the city as Christmas gift. “The construction of 165 houses which was taken up by the Mangalore Diocese to commemorate the 125th year of celebration of the Diocese too is nearing completion and it will be handed over to the beneficiaries at the earliest. A total of 28 additional houses too are built for poor near Mariyashrama in Talapady,” he said.

In his Christmas message, he requested the members of Christian community to respect and help under privileged poor, children and shelter less people.

Udupi Bishop’s message

The Udupi Diocese Bishop Dr Jerold Isaac Lobo delivered the message of love and sacrifice at Udupi Press Club on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Bishop said that Lord Jesus arrived on earth in the personification of man to spread the message of love and save human beings from evils and greed.

Christmas is the language of love. It is an occasion of happiness and celebrations. It is an occasion to spread the message of love. Lord Christ personified as man to eradicate the wickedness of dishonesty and thereby spread the light of happiness and joy.

He added that Christmas is the symbol of love and affection between Lord and human beings. He came down to earth not to punish human but to protect human. Lord Christ is the messengers of sacrifice and service. Lord sacrificed himself for the well-being of human beings. The selfless love of Lord preaches sacrifice.

He is the messenger of peace, he added. Bishop blessed peace and love to all and called people to be the representatives of love.