Inter-religious Committee Udupi Church, Catholic Sabha- Udupi unit and Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi jointly organized an Inter-religious Deepavali in Mother of Sorrows Church grounds, Udupi on 11th November, 2015.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, presided over the function. Sri Sri Sri Esha Vitaldasa Swamiji, Sandipani Ashram. Kemaru, Rev. Goldin Bangera, Pastor,CSI Bethaniya Church, Parpale, Maulana Abdul Rashid, Jamiya Masid, Udyavara, Gyani Balaraj Singh, Sikh religious guru, Manipal. V. Rev. Dr Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese were the guests of honour. V. Rev. Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Parish Priest Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Mrs. Benedicta, President, Catholic Sabha Udupi Unit and Mr Nitayananda Valakadu, one of the members of the inter-religious committee too were present on the dais.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the program by lighting the traditional lamp along with the other dignitaries. Sri Sri Esha Vitaldasa Swamiji addressed the gathering and said that God doesn’t have any caste or creed. He also said that we must learn to respect the other person and the other religion. He prayed for peace and harmony among all Indians.
This message of harmony was followed by a meaningful skit by the students of St Mary School enacted a play on communal harmony. Later all the dignitaries jointly lighted a lamp of 12 ft height as an expression of unity and brotherhood. This was unique and special.
This was followed by a dance from the students of Asha Nilaya specially abeled children. In his message Rev. Goldin Bangera said Deepavali is a festival of love. Quoting from the Holy Bible he said that all of us called to dispel the darkness of sin, despair, hatred and shed light of love, peace and goodwill as Jesus did during his life time. Maulana Abdul Rashid addressing the gathering said that no religion should teach war or terrorism. The core of all religions is love and brotherhood. Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his presidential address said that our country is a country of festivals, Deepavali being one of the important and unique festivals. ‘Deepa’ means light and everyone wants to live in light. No one likes night or darkness except a person who wants to destruction or negativity. He called upon everyone present to become children of light so that we spread the light of peace, joy and love in our country.
There was entertainment galore on the theme of the day from groups of different religions. Mr.Boniface Mascarenhas proposed the vote of thanks.
