PANJIM: The Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao and the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar have extended their Christmas greetings to the people of Goa.
In his message, the Archbishop says, “It’s Christmas again and the message it brings every year has not changed. The Feast of the Birth of Jesus Christ represents the victory of light over darkness, of joy over sadness, of hope over despair, of love over hatred and of peace over conflict. It returns every year to remind us that God has entered human history as a member of the human race in order to take it back to where it belongs: God, the eternal source of joy, of peace, of love.”
“At Christmas the distant God becomes the Immanuel, the “God with us,” and we are called to re-discover Him in every other human being, especially in the poor and the marginalised, with whom He has identified himself in an eminent way through his very birth in a stable. When we do so, we become the leaven of a new society wherein everyone is welcomed, accepted and loved, without considerations of colour, creed or race. This Christmas may God find a ready home in each of our hearts as we seek to recognize him in our fellow human beings and to spread his message of peace, love and harmony, both in word and deed. A Happy Christmas to one and all!”
In his message, the chief minister said, “May the auspicious festival of Christmas be a moment for hope and happiness as well as an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of sharing and brotherhood. I extend my warm greetings and wish everyone and a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.”
