Fri Dec 20 18:40:25 UTC 2024: **Mangaluru Bishop Highlights Hope and Love at Massive Christmas Celebration**
**Moodbidri, December 20, 2024** – Over 4,500 people attended a joyous Christmas celebration hosted by Alva’s Education Foundation in Moodbidri, Karnataka, on Thursday. The event featured traditional Christmas elements including a nativity scene, carol singing, a visit from Santa Claus, and cake distribution.
Mangaluru Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha delivered the Christmas address, emphasizing the power of hope and love. He stated that hope is the highest aspiration in life and urged attendees to spread hope and support those in need. Bishop Saldanha highlighted the core tenets of Christmas: unity, forgiveness, love, and mercy, drawing parallels to Jesus’ life and teachings.
M. Mohan Alva, president of the Alva’s Education Foundation, spoke on India’s unity in diversity and lauded the contributions of Christians to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. He emphasized the importance of harmony and goodwill.
The celebration also included an honouring of U.C. Paulose and his wife Mary Paulose from the Belthangady Seon Ashram Trust for their societal contributions, with a ₹25,000 cash award presented. Father Onil D’Souza of Moodubidire Corpus Christian Church led a prayer. The event concluded with a festive atmosphere that reflected the spirit of Christmas.
First Piper 