Chaitanya, Shimoga, December 22, 2020: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society, Shimoga celebrated Christmas with the staff of the organization on 22 December 2020. The celebration began with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of Shimoga and the president of the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society. In his homily the bishop explained the true meaning of Christmas in today’s context. Christmas is giving a gift. God gave us His only Son as the perfect gift. We too should become human beings ready to give one’s self for others. Christmas Sahamilana with the Civil Workers which the organization celebrated on 21 December 2020 is what Christmas should be for each one of us. We need to strive to recognize the unrecognized and make them realize that they too are human beings and they too are valuable in the society.
After the Holy Eucharist the bishop blessed the Crib. Then the joy of Christmas was shared with the staff and the neighbours by cutting the Christmas cake. The Secretary of SMSSS and the director of Chaitanya in his message noted that in spite of the pandemic, the organization has successfully lived up to the expectation and communicated the message of Christ through committed service to the poor and the marginalized. The organization has succeeded to give new lease of life to those who have lost hope in life.
In his address the bishop appreciated the committed work of all the staff of SMSSS and noted that the organization if systematically reaching out to the poor and marginal people through various outreach programme. After the address, the bishop distributed Christmas gifts to the staff of SMSSS and also to the special invitees. The bishop wished each and everyone present for the celebration a Happy Christmas and a Grace-filled New Year 2021.
After the sumptuous Christmas dinner the staff entertained the gathering with a meaningful cultural programme consisting of dances and Christmas Carols. The special attraction of the day was exchanging gifts with the Christmas friends. The day’s celebration ended with an entertainment dance.
It was a day to rejoice. It was a day to thank the Lord for all the blessings and it was the day to pray for the blessings of the Lord for a better, eventful future.
WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A JOY-FILLED NEW YEAR 2021.
