Youth Ministry News

New Delhi: December 11, 2013 Catholic Bishops’ Conference India (CBCI) organised Christmas celebration for the Civic Society. Loka Sabha Speaker Smt. Meira Kumar was the Chief Guest. CBCI President His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, CBCI Secretary General His Excellency Albert D’Souza together with CBCI office bearers organised the Program. CBCI Deputy Secretary General Fr. Joseph Chinnayyan welcomed and thanked the dignitaries. Papal Representative His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio in India gave the message of peace and love, he reminded that Church and Government should work for peace and harmony, thus we establish peace among the nations. Smt. Meira Kumar in her message shared her own experience of Christmas from childhood; she said that “unconditional love of Jesus Christ motivates all of us; whatever Christians do they do with this love that why they are able to make a difference. Being in secular country before independence itself we all of us started celebrating Christmas as our festival. She asked the CBCI to continue the mission with same zeal.

She also said that Christ is relevant even today because of his Compassion and forgiveness. She thanked CBCI for inviting her as chief guest.” Cardinal Oswald in his message said that the Christmas is the greatest act is love of God. God loved us and he gave his only Son for our redemption. He also said that equal rights for Dalit Christians and Muslims should be given without that Christmas has no meaning at all. He said that we will continue to work for the nation and for the humanity inspite of hurdles that we face. We will continue to love and to forgive as Jesus taught us. Loving service to the humanity is the inspiration from our Lord Jesus. Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir group sang the Carols.

MP’s as well as diplomats took part in this celebration. Grand dinner was organised after the short program of Christmas.