Bishop pays ‘Sauharda’ visit to Permannuru Mandira

Mangaluru Bishop Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha visited the Permannuru Vitoba Rukmai Mandira on the outskirts of the city on Tuesday and shared sweets with the people there as part of Christmas celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, the Bishop wished the people and prayed to the Almighty seeking blessings for the family members.

The Bishop also blessed and laid the foundation stone for the centenary jubilee hall at the Permannuru Church on his maiden visit to the St Sebastian Church.

U T Khader, District In-charge Minister, said, “The Bishop’s visit was aimed at spreading the message of harmony, love and trust among fellow human beings. The visit will send a good message to the society.”

Christian community members across the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod celebrated the festival with great pomp and gaiety. All the churches had the grand Christmas mass on Monday night.

Bishop Saldanha celebrated the grand mass at Rosario Cathedral while the Udupi diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo celebrated the mass at the cathedral at Kallianpura.

Christians participated in special masses too, which were organised in churches. Celebrations were marked by carols, cakes, candles and decoration of Christmas trees. Cultural programmes by young members of the parishes added charm to the celebrations.

A Santa Claus procession was taken out from Mucchirapadavu to Pervai Junction. Christians distributed cakes through the stretch of the procession. Passengers travelling in buses were also given cakes.

Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo has said that Christmas is a symbol of love, peace, and sharing.

In his message, Dr Lobo said, “At a time when the world is filled with fear, atrocity, violence and inequality, the celebration of Christmas becomes all the more meaningful by spreading the message of peace and love. There is a need to sow the seeds of love and unity and restore peace and harmony in society.”