Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Hosts Inspiring Interfaith Celebration of Love and Forgiveness

Mangaluru December 31: Amidst the festive atmosphere of Christmas, the Bishop’s House in Kodialbail, Mangalore became a beacon of unity and peace on December 30, 2024, as Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, hosted the ‘Bandhutva’ celebration—an initiative aimed at fostering interfaith harmony and promoting peace in a world fraught with discord.

The event saw the presence of an esteemed gathering, including Most Rev. Dr Henry Dsouza, Bishop of Bellary; Swasthisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Jain Matt, Moodubidri and prominent government officials such as Mullai Muhilan, IAS; Anupam Agarwal, Police Commissioner; DRI Harikrishna from the Income Tax Department, Ivan Dsouza, MLC; Dr Mohan Alva; and Prof. P.L. Dharma, Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University. Religious leaders, including Brahma Kumari and Moulana Abdul Aziz Dharimi, along with other dignitaries graced the occasion. Political leaders, including Ex-MLA J.R. Lobo, Ramanatha Rai; luminaries of public administration, city corporators, officers from various departments, religious leaders and heads of Christian institutions were present.

The celebration commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. Dr H.M. Watson CSI, Principal of Karnataka Theological College, Balmatta.

In his welcome address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha highlighted the essence of Christmas, emphasizing Jesus Christ’s message of love, forgiveness and reconciliation. “Jesus’ contribution to humanity is the gift of love,” he said. “Encounter every person with brotherly love amidst growing hatred and vengeance. Forgiveness does not mean forgetfulness but renouncing destructive forces of vengeance and retaliation. The example of Jesus inspires us to build loving neighbourhoods and humane communities.”

Swasthisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, speaking on the relevance of Jainism in today’s inter-religious harmony, underscored the importance of ‘Vishwa Bandhutva’ (universal brotherhood). “Ahimsa is the greatest weapon in a world filled with hatred and war. Let us celebrate Christmas with love, forgiveness and harmony,” he remarked, praising Bishop Peter Paul’s initiative for showcasing respect for all religions.

Moulana Abdul Aziz Dharimi, in his address, called for unity and peace amidst challenging times. “The essence of Bandhutva is to unite with love and respect for all. If we have shared the gifts of nature equally, why not assimilate its values and live in harmony?” he reflected. Dharimi’s poignant words, “If we remove ‘kind’ from humankind, we cannot truly be human,” resonated with the audience.

The event featured vibrant cultural presentations, including multilingual Christmas carols by the Late Rev. Fr Albuquerque Memorial Choir led by Simon and Remona, and captivating dance performances. Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editor of Raknno, energised the gathering with engaging games, while Rev. Dr J.B. Saldanha, PRO of the Diocese, extended the vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with a prayer before the meal, led by Bishop Henry Dsouza. ‘Bandhutva,’ the hallmark initiative of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, strives to foster interfaith bonds and promote peace, harmony and brotherhood among diverse communities. The event’s success was a testament to the Bishop’s vision and the collaborative efforts of the organising team, led by Roy Castelino and compered by Anil Dsa. The celebration not only embodied the spirit of Christmas but also reinforced the values of unity and mutual respect in a diverse society.

Report and Pics by: Fr Anil Fernandes, Canara Communication Centre