PANJIM: Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar and Governor Dr Mridula Sinha have extended Christmas greetings to the people of Goa.
Archbishop Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao in his Christmas message said, “We cannot rejoice at Christmas without including the poor in our celebration.”
“On the occasion of another Christmas and sharing in the joy of our Catholic community, on their behalf and in my name, I extend greetings of peace and kindness to all people of good will in this State. The Church in Goa has dedicated this year to the poor. We cannot rejoice at Christmas without including the poor in our celebration. The God of the universe being born in a stable tells us clearly that He is on the side of the poor and beckons us to do the same. This divine call imposes on us the duty to work for the genuine development of the human person, particularly of the poor and the less privileged,” he says.
“May this annual celebration strengthen our resolve to help in the realisation of God’s dream when he took birth in Bethlehem: a new world order, wherein people of all colours and creeds can join hands with one another and work to re-create the earth into a place where everyone is welcome and honoured, particularly the poor and the downtrodden. I take this occasion to wish everyone a joyful Christmas, full of divine blessings,” he concludes.
Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar in his message said Christmas is an auspicious occasion all around the world. People from all communities come together to observe the occasion with great pomp. It is the time of the year to give to others, bringing in happiness and delight with simple things.
The Chief Minister states, “Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and rekindles the spirit of peace and harmony. This Christmas, let us resolve to promote unity and be the harbinger of peace and development in the State.”
Governor Dr Mridula Sinha in her message said, “Every year this sacred day is observed with religious zeal, in great merriment, and with sincere prayers all over the world. On this auspicious day, we celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus, who gave us the valuable and eternal message of peace, tolerance, compassion, love and sacrifice. It is an appropriate occasion for us to carry the spirit of Christmas to foster the values that Jesus Christ professed and practiced for the benefit of humanity,” the Governor concludes.
“Christmas is a time to celebrate and reflect. It’s the time to celebrate the goodness of mankind, the arrival of hope and the welcome of new ideas, new thoughts and new ventures as the New Year follows the arrival of God’s Son. I, on behalf of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee would like to extend warm greetings of Christmas and sincere wishes for a very Happy New Year 2019,” says Girish Chodankar, GPCC President.
