Udupi Diocese spreads the light of ‘Diwali’ by holding inter-religious meet

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 7, 2013: In a display of exemplary communal harmony, the Udupi Diocese  organised an inter-religious meet at  Mother of Sorrows Church here on November 6, Wednesday to celebrate Diwali-the Festival of Lights. The meeting was attended by leaders  of  different faiths. It was  a great sight to see a giant rangoli at the church and also an earthern lamp (Diya) to mark the festivities.

 

 

Addressing the gathering, Dr Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi  called upon the gathering to drive  the darkness of ignorance and injustice in the society by lighting lamps during this Diwali. Let the Diwali light bring joy and happiness to one and all, the Bishop said in his message.

Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt who also spoke, exhorted the society to shed selfish inhibitions and promote peace, amity and brotherhood.

Maulana Abdul Rashid Rehmania of Jamia Masjid, in his address said  each individual in the society should think about service to mankind just as the  diya which by burning spreads the light to the world.

Prominent among those who attended  the meeting included   Rev Godwin Bangera of Udupi CSI Church, Fr Denis D’Sa, the chief organizer, Alphonse D’Souza, William Martis, Boniface D’Souza, Catholic Sabha President, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Mary D’Souza, Budan Pasha and Fr Fred Mascarenhas.

A Goodu Deepa contest was also conducted for school children. A variety of cultural programmes also marked the occasion. A procession was earlier taken out from service bus stand to the church premises as part of the celebrations.