Chaitanya, Shimoga, December 23, 2022: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society, Shimoga celebrated Christmas with the staff of the organization and the well-wishers on 23 December 2022. 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. Rev. Fr Pius D’Souza preached a meaningful homily in which he explained the significance of Christmas in the context of Social Work. Based on the theme of the celebration “Dhareyolu Rakhshakana nele, Seve Maadalondu Kare” he highlighted the importance of giving till it pains us. God gave his Only Son. Giving is not out of abundance but sharing what we have with those who do not have anything. The priests from the negihbouring parishes and communities joined the celebration and prayed for the donors, the staff and all the partner families. The Religious Sisters too joined the celebration and shared the joy of Christmas with everyone present for the occasion.
After the Eucharistic Celebration the Bishop blessed the beautiful Crib. The crib helps us to recall the First Christmas in the history of humanity. The cutting and sharing of the Christmas cake by the Bishop added flavor to the celebration.
In his Christmas message, the Bishop explained the true meaning of Christmas in the present context and urged everyone to celebrate Christmas meaningfully by caring those who are discarded and loving those who are unloved. God did not remain high above. Desiring to make His dwelling among human beings, God came down to the world and dwelt among us as a Human Being. Finding God in the oppressed, the marginalized, the downtrodden, the unloved, the unwanted, etc. is true Christmas. He wished everyone a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023.
Christmas is not receiving but giving, giving not out of abundance but sharing whatever we have with everyone. When we give, we receive is the experience of Christmas season for the Organization. The Director, Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto noted that this year the organization made the Christmas joyful and more significant by distributing non electric water purifiers to 500 economically poor and socially marginalized families in Hosudi, Hunasodu, Kotegangur, Kumsi, Chamundipura, Harnahalli and Kallukoppa. This was made possible by Save A Family Plan, India through Save A Family Plan, Canada. This year SMSSS organized Christmas celebrations with Federation Leaders on 14 December 2022, with all the Service Providers on 20 December 2022 and with ASHA Workers on 21 December 2022.
The Bishop distributed special gifts to all the Priests and Sisters present for the celebration. The staff of SMSSS received special gifts from the Bishop and also Christmas bonus from the Organization for their committed, dedicated service to the Organization. The staff members were overjoyed to receive the surprise gift and Christmas bonus. The Director conducted two lucky games. Mr Jagadeesha K. H. thanked the Bishop, the Priests and the Sisters who participated in the celebration.
After the Christmas dinner, the staff members shared the joy of Christmas through group competition, Christmas dances and skits. The song provided for the group competition is "Saaritu Gagana". The winners of the group competion were given prizes. The exchange of Christmas gifts with their respective Christmas friends was a moment to share joy and express gratitude. At the end, the Director expressed that in spite of the hardships and financial constraints, SMSSS has been successfully implementing all the programmes and activities without any difficulty. Though economic crisis is a major concern, the benevolent God has generously blessed the Organization with timely support from various donors. The celebration ended with the baila dance. On behalf of the entire staff Mr Shanmukha Naik thanked the Director for his love and concern towards the staff of SMSSS and noted that it is solely because of the hard work and efforts of the Director the organization is doing excellent work and today’s celebration is an indication of the same.
