SANDESHA FOUNDATION FOR CULTURE & EDUCATION, MANGALORE

(KARNATAKA REGIONAL CENTRE FOR SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS)

Vol No. 19 No. 1 December 2010

ireeccttoorr''ss Message
D ir GOD IS WITH US – ARE WE WITH GOD?
Dear Friends,
Christmas is here again bringing us the good news of our liberation! “Now all this took place to fulfill
the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet : "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and
they will call him Immanuel” ( Isaiah7: 14), a name which means “God is with us” (Mathew 1: 22-23). The
Immaculate Virgin Mary has given us her divine Sin as our Redeemer. In the Lord Jesus of Nazareth, the
King of the Jews, “the penniless preacher from Galilee” (H. G. Wells), we have our “Lord and God” (John
20: 28), the beacon of hope to the suffering humanity.
With the birthday of the Divine Babe of Bethlehem, a new star of hope has dawned in the
heavens, not only to the Magi, but also to the whole humanity. He brought us liberation from the
unreal to the real, nirvana from darkness to light and mukti from death to immortality. In Him we
have our Way, Truth and Life, and our Good Shepherd. As the Divine Redeemer, Jesus is not the
monopoly of Christians alone; He belongs to every member of the humankind.
In the global village of the world today wherein the forces of darkness and evil are reigning
maliciously through terrorism, corruption, injustice, poverty and the like, all of us do need Him. We need him more than He
needs us. He is the only panacea for all the ills of mankind.
“He is our Peace,” declared Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation. He inspired the Mahatma to use truth and
non-violence as a twin weapon to dismantle the mighty foreign domination and bring us political liberation.
May the peace He brought to all persons of good will reign in our hearts always.
God is with us in Jesus. Shall we too be with Him?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Fr Valerian Mendonca

Greetings and Good Wishes

The Director, staff and students of Sandesha institutions convey cordial
greetings and good wishes to our Chairman, Trustees, Board of
Management, Governing Council, Team Members, Donors, Benefactors,
Well-wishers, Collaborators, our readers and all the people of good will
on the festive occasion of Christmas. May you all be blessed with joy,
peace, progress and prosperity throughout the New Year 2011.

SANDESHA, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005. Exempted u/s 80G of I.T. Act 1961. 1
 SANDESHA AWARDS 2010 AWARDEES 2010
The poornakumbha welcome and the ceremonial procession of the dignitaries,
awardees and the guests from the Sandesha gate to the decorated stage started the colourful SANDESHA LITERATURE AWARD (KANNADA)
function - the Presentation of Sandesha Awards 2010 on 7-2-2010. Dr Chandrashekhar B. Kambar
Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, Bishop of Mangalore. presided over the function Bangalore
and Most Rev Dr Henry D Souza, Bishop of Bellary, who is also Chairman of Sandesha
Foundation, graced the occasion. Sri P Jayarama Bhat, Managing Director of Karnataka
Bank was the Chief Guest. All the awardees were presented with a cash prize of Rs 10.000,
a trophy, a citation and certificate in recognition of their outstanding and value-based
SANDESHA JOURNALISM AWARD
contributions to the society. Sri Dinesha Amin Mattu
In his presidential address Rev Bishop Aloysius Paul D Souza termed the 9 awardees Bangalore
as the Navaratnas and congratulated them for their value based service to the society.
“You have done great service by
which the society is benefited. SANDESHA LITERATURE AWARD (KONKANI)
Today we find lot of people who Dr Edward Nazareth
criticize others but no one gives Mangalore
a pat on the back when good
work is done. Criticism cannot
solve the problem. We need
people who recognize the SANDESHA CINEMA/T.V. AWARD
Sri S.N. Sethuram
services rendered by people and Bangalore
Sandesha has been doing it year
after year”. He also said that the
The Awardees with the dignitaries
selfless services rendered by the
awardees will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation. SANDESHA LITERATURE AWARD (TULU)
Smt. Janaki Brahmavar
Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest P Jayaram Bhat pointed out : “Excellence is not Udupi
an accident. It is the result of sincere efforts with willful execution with vision and to treat
obstacles as opportunities”. He congratulated the awardees for their value based service
and said “Learning history is not so easy. But creating history is very difficult. You have SANDESHA MEDIA EDUCATION AWARD
created history with your dedication and service”. Daijiworld.com Mangalore
Bishop Henry D Souza pointed out the need of role models in today’s society and Editor-in-chief-
Sri Walter Nandalike
said the awardees have fulfilled the role of role models to the society. “Our activities
should be in accordance with our dreams and one should be identified and guided by the
vision, values and commitment”, he pointed out. Bishop Henry also said “God does not SANDESHA ARTS AWARD
expect us to do great things. He expects us to give our best, to become best and take the Smt. Usha Datar
very best with us. We can give without loving but cannot love without giving” he stated Bangalore
stressing on the importance of the need and the ability to give. He also pointed out that
there are some elements who are trying to build walls among people through their actions
and called upon the people to defeat the efforts of people by demolishing these walls and
build a just society. SANDESHA EDUCATION AWARD
Sri Louis Mendoca
Na D Souza, Chairman of the selection committee of the awards, spoke about the Shirva, Udupi
selection of the awardees.
All the awardees expressed their gratitude to Sandesha for recognizing their services
and said the award had added to their existing responsibilities of serving the society much
better. Director of Sandesha Foundation. Fr Valerian Mendonca, the Trustees of Sandesha
P M Castelino, Galdin D Souza, Roy Castelino, and Chairperson of the selection committee SANDESHA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Chaitanya Mandira, Hassan
Na D Souza, Manager of Sandesha Leo D Souza were also present on the dais. Fr Valerian 'Care of the Aged and the Sick'
Mendonca welcomed the gathering. Galdin D Souza presented the vote of thanks. Mallika
Shetty Siddakatte compared the programme. The stage programme was followed by cultural
programme presented by the students of Sandesha College.

WE THANK OUR SPONSORS THANK YOU to our Jury Members

Erod’s Group in memory of Stany Rodrigues, Raknno in memory of Dr Na. D’Souza, Chairperson,
is Diamond Jubilee, Light of the Heart Foundation, the SRA Sisters in Rev. Fr Mark Walder, Dr Na. Da. Shetty, Sri Richard
memory of their Founder Fr Antonius Maria Bodewig, PVS Memorial Louis, Dr Smt
Trust Mangalore by Trustees Smt and Sri Madhusoodan D Kushe. S a r a
The Bethany Sisters in memory of their Founder Servant of God Abubakkar and
Msgr R F C Mascarenhas, Brothers Amith and Atul Prabhu in memory S m t
of their mother Ethel Prabhu, Sri Ronald Colaco, NRI Enrepreneur, Chandrakala
Bangalore and Sandesha Founder Trustees. Nandavar

SANDESHA, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005. Exempted u/s 80G of I.T. Act 1961. 2
 KALOTSAVA 2010 KRCBC SOCIAL
Sandesha Foundation for Culture & Education ®, Mangalore, organized the much- C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
awaited Kalotsava 2010, a Children’s Festival of Art and Communication Skills from COMMISSION MEETS AT
November 8, to 13, 2010, at the Sandesha Kalabhavan. SANDESHA
374 students from 20 schools and colleges from August 20, 2010: With Bishop Henry
all over the district participated in this week-long D’Souza, the Chairman, as the
State Level Festival. President and Rev. Fr George
The Festival intended to spot and promote the talents Plathottam, the National Secretary as
among the children and also inculcate in them the Chief Guest, the Directors of the
Ms Narayani inaugurates Kalotsava by patriotism, communal amity and other human values. dioceses of Bangalore, Belgaum,
lighting the lamp.
The Festival Bellary, Chikmagalur, Gulbarga,
was open to the students of the Higher Primary, Karwar, Mangalore and Shimoga met
High school and PUC classes with events like at Sandesha. The Directors reported
Western Singing, Western Instrumental, Classical their projects and achievements in the
Dance, Classical Singing (Carnatic Vocal and ministry of Communications in their
Hindustani Vocal), Folk Dance, Folk Songs, respective dioceses. Bishop Henry
Patriotic Songs Sharada Vidyalaya receiving their
Trophy from the Chief Guest appreciated the sincere efforts of the
and Variety various Directors and called for greater
Entertainment. November 11 was set apart for the
response to the needs of the day in the
Specially-abled Children with items like Drawing,
future. Fr George introduced the
Fancy Dress and Singing.
proposed Pastoral Communications
The inaugural function was on November 8 with
St Mary's High School receiving the Trophy Course. The Formators of the various
Mrs Narayani Damodar, Senior Announcer,
from the Chief Guest and the Director religious congregations too had a
Akashvani,
Mangalore, as the Chief Guest session for the same by Fr George. Fr
Valerian thanked the Directors and the
For the Finale on November 13. Sri Upendra
Formators for their active presence and
Prabhu, General Manager of Karnataka Bank was
the Chief Guest. He stressed the need and participation.
importance of these festivals to develop the CATHOLIC COUNCIL OF
personality of the children and youth who are to St Agnes Special School with their KARNATAKA (CCK) AND
be the future leaders of the country. Trophy
KUCFHR MEET THE KRCBC AT
Karnataka Bank was the main sponsor of KRPPC, KROSS, Bangalore:
Kalotsava. Prizes and Cerificats were distributed October 4-7, 2010: Fr Valerian
to the winners in the various competitions held
Mendonca, as the Regional Secretary
during the week
of the Social Communications
Selected entries were presented as a part of the Commission, presented the
cultural programme
Special School Children at the Drawing achievements of the Commission in the
Competition The Highest Points Trophies were won by the 13 Dioceses of Karnataka. He also
following schools/colleges presented the audio/ visual productions
Higher Primary School: Sharada Vidyalaya, Kodialbail
by the Sandesha Foundation: The New
High School: St Mary’s High School, Falnir
Testament in Konkani (a set of 2 MP3
PUC section: Sharada Vidyalaya, Kodialbail
CDs), ‘Hadona Kuniyona’ (a CD of
Special Schools: St Agnes Special School, Bendur.
patriotic songs in Kannada) and
‘Celebrations: KG to PG’ (an album for
English medium schools). He also
CULTURAL AMBASSADOR
apprised the KRCBC of the state of
Ms Miriam Lamas Baiak from Brazil was at Sandesha to get trained
Sandesha College of Fine Arts and
in the classical dance Bharatanatyam. She completed a six months
requested the Dioceses to avail the
course in Bharatanatyam under Smt Vani Rajgopal, Lecturer in
services of the college. The KRCBC
Bharatanatyam at the Sandesha Fine Arts College and returned to
Brazil in May 2010. We wish her all the best. appreciated the achievements of the
Commission.
SANDESHA, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005. Exempted u/s 80G of I.T. Act 1961. 3
 SUMMER COURSES 2010 NEW CD RELEASES
The much awaited Summer Courses 2010 started on May 3. Sandesha has produced 5 new CDs this year at its
324 students from all over Karnataka participated in the courses, with Digital Studio:
40 of them staying a Sandesha
during the courses. Khursa Mullim – a set of Lenten hymns composed
Sri Prabhuling Kavalkatte, and directed by Fr Valerian Mendonca and Fr
Assistant Commissioner Dakshina Clement Mascarenhas. The music arrangement is
Kannada was the Chief Guest at the by Sri Praveen Duth Stephen.
inaugural function. He was full of
praise for Sandesha for organizing It was released on 14-2-2010
Lighting the lamp at the Summer courses these courses to develop the skills of 2. Bible – New Testament Part I in two volumes
students and helping them to spend
in MP 3 format. The readings are by
their holidays gainfully. Fr Valerian Mendonca, Director presided over
the valedictory function on May 22. 10 Prominent
Certificates were presented to all the participants and the outstanding personalities in
students in each section were Mangalore. The
awarded prizes. CD was
There were training classes in the
released by Most
following disciplines: (The names
of the teachers are given in Rev Dr Aloysius
brackets) Bishop Aloysius releasing the Bible CD
P. D’Souza,
Keyboard (Ms Matilda Pinto, Bishop of
Sri Roshan Cordeiro) Mangalore on March 25 at Milagres Church.
Guitar (Sri Allister Guitar Students performing
The CD is very useful to people at home, and those
Moreira)
Drums (Sri K P Razak) driving their car, to listen to the Word of God. The
Drawing (Sri Naveen second part, containing some selected books of the
Monteiro) Old Testament is being planned.
Bharatanatyam (Ms Akshatha) 3. Haadona, Kuniyona – Kannada patriotic songs
Carnatic Vocal (Sri Sandeep Ballal)
composed and see to music by Sri Stany Baretto of
Art and Craft (Ms Sujatha)
Spoken English (Ms Lizzie Pereira) Padua High School.
Public Speaking (Sri Arun Sri Ravindra Prabhu and Smt Sangeetha Balachandra
Keyboard students with singers Fernandes) have lent their voices to the songs. Orchestration
Graphology (Sri Stany D’Souza) is by Sri T. P. Razak. Direction by Fr Valerian
All the teachers and the staff members who assisted in the conduct of
Mendonca.
the course were honoured on the occasion.
4. Celebrations : K.G. to P.G (Vol 1) A set of
songs useful for schools and for public functions.
Lyrics. music and direction is by Fr Valerian
Mendonca. Orchestration is by Sri Ashith Pinto.
The songs have been sung by students of six
different schools.

Bharatanatyam Students Ms Miriam at a Bharatanatyam pose 5. Namo Shrishti Rochnara – 10 devotional

Hymns in Konkani composed and directed by
Fr Valerian Mendonca and Fr Clement
Mascarenhas. Orchestration is by Sri T P. Razak
and harmonisaton is by Mr Markus Vallaza (Austria)
and Sri Joel Pereira.
All these CDs are available at Sandesha.
A drawing student receives her prize from the Invocation dance
Director

SANDESHA, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005. Exempted u/s 80G of I.T. Act 1961. 4
 COLLEGE NEWS
100% Results Teachers Day celebrations
Sandesha College of Fine Arts has maintained its tradition of
Our students celebrated the Teachers Day on September 6 with
excellent results this year too – of the six students who appeared
for the VI Semester examination of the Mangalore University, a cultural programme in honour of the college Lecturers. All
all have passed with First class, with three of them obtaining the Lecturers were specially honoured on the day.
Distinction. Our congratulations to all the students and their *****
lecturers.
College Day/Farewell Function
*****
Admissions The outgoing students (of the final year) were honoured with
Sandesha College of Fine Arts had 10 admissions this year, a Farewell function organized by the students of the second
students coming from as far away as Allahabad and Patna.
year and the third year, on April 30. The day was also celebrated
*****
Our Staff as the College Day with a cultural programme. The Principal,
There are several changes in the staff this year. Fr Valerian Mendonca gave the final year students a message
Welcome Farewell asking them to keep aloft the name of the college and be its
ambassadors wherever they would be.
Certificates were presented to the students who had completed
the Computer Course.
The function ended with a family meal.
*****
Ms Vani Rajgopal MFA, replacing Ms Babitha
Ms Prajna Kumari, our English lecturer, attended a seminar
has taken over as Lecturer MFA who resigned after
in Bharathanatyam her marriage. organized by the English Lecturers’Association at Besant
Women's College on August 6.
*****
Zica Talk
Zee Academy of Creative Arts addressed our students on April
10. Sri Prasad, Business Development Manager of ZICA spoke
in the place of Sri Ajay to our students about 2D , 3D animation, Gaming, SFX, VFX,
Ms Prajna Kumari M.A. is Manjeshwar M.A. who Web designing, MEL, Scripting and other aspects of Creative
the Lecturer in English resigned for better
Arts.
prospects
*****
Social Service
The students of our college organized a voluntary camp on
August 26, during which the area in and around Sandesha was
cleaned.
*****
Sri K.L. Reddy has been in the place of Ms
appointed as the Hindi Shyamala Das who Congratulations
Lecturer (Part Time) resigned Congratulations to Ms Mallika Shetty,
***** our Lecturer in Kannada on her
Inter Collegiate Competitions marriage to Sri Ajith on October 25.
Our college students took part in the inter collegiate Competitions
Nriyotsava,organizedby the Mangalore University at St Mary’s
College Shirva. 43 colleges participated.

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 TO ERR IS HUMAN, TO FORGIVE DIVINE FAILURE
There is a great truth in this common proverb. Contributed by
All human beings make mistakes and therefore we, Sr Shilpa, I B.A
as humans, should learn to be too learnt. To forgive
our fellowmen for their mistakes is a godly virtue. When we want Failure doesn’t mean – you are a failure.
others to forgive us our faults, why should we not reciprocate It means – you have not succeeded.
and forgive them in return?
When someone does something wrong, our immediate wish Failure doesn’t mean – you accomplished nothing.
is to see that he is punished. When children tell a lie, elders fly into It means – you have learned something.
a rage and slap them. If the peon in the office slips a pencil into his
pocket, his boss threatens him with dismissal if he does it again. Failure doesn’t mean – you have been a fool.
People fail to realize that they themselves are sometimes guilty of It means – you had a lot of faith.
such petty wrongs. All this does not mean that we should connive
at wrong things. Failure doesn’t mean that - you have been disgraced.
Our objective should be to reform and improve the person It means – you were willing to try.
who has done wrong, and not to punish him. Punishment is not
the answer to the problem of wrong – doing; indeed, it often turns Failure doesn’t mean – you don’t have it.
out to be a remedy which is worse than the disease, for the person It means – you have to do something in a different way.
who is punished feels humiliated and embittered and bears a grudge
against the person who has punished him. Failure doesn’t mean – you are inferior.
We have the right to demand punishment of the guilty only if It means - you are not perfect.
we ourselves are blameless. We should hate the wrong, not the
wrong – doer, when a wrong – doer is forgiven he may be moved Failure doesn’t mean – you have wasted your life.
by the magnanimous act of forgiveness, may repent for his wrong It means – you have a reason to start afresh.
– doing and resolve not to do any wrong again. He is likely to be
reformed. Failure doesn’t mean – you should give up.
Forgiveness thus leads to repentance, and sincere repentance It means – you must try harder.
reforms the wrong doer. That is why forgiveness is called divine.
We should try to understand why one does something wrong. Failure doesn’t mean – God has abandoned you.
Once we realize this, we are certain to take a sympathetic view It means – God has a better way for you.
and try to help and reform the person instead of just punishing
him.
We will appreciate the necessity of forgiveness if we bear in
mind two things: Firstly, all men without exception are likely to
make mistakes or do wrong and secondly, it is not our job to judge
other people.
CHRISTMAS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Early immigrants brought these traditions to America where Christmas is a mixture of many different customs.
The first Christmas card : The act of sending greeting cards at Christmas time began during the Victorian era in England. John
Callcott Horsley designed the first the first Christmas card in 1843 by John Callcott Horsley as a personal favor to Sir Henry Cole, the
first director of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Red birds on Christmas cards : Postmen in England wore a red uniform, which prompted the nickname, Robins. The robin mail
carriers traditionally delivered the mail in England on Christmas day. Therefore, some Christmas card images included a red robin
delivering mail to a mailbox.
Christmas in Japan : Since only 1% of the Japanese people are Christian, the celebration of Christmas is normally a commercialized
holiday. Most Japanese citizens partake of a sponge cake decorated with whip cream and strawberries aptly called a Christmas cake.
Christmas in Italy : Shepherds travel down from the mountains and serenade the Italian people with bagpipe music. La Befana :
The female version of Santa According to Italian Christmas legend, three wiseman asked the la befana three times to join them on their
journey to witness the birth of Jesus. Once la befana decided to join them, it was too late. La Befana has been searching for the baby Jesus
ever since. During the Feast of Epiphany on January 6, La Befana flies on a broom to the homes of little children and fills stockings with
delicious treats.
Christmas in Mexico : Feliz Navidad Mexicans begin celebrating Christmas on December 16 and gather for candlelight processions
and parties for the next nine days called Las Posadas. The nativity scene serves as the focal point for most Christmas decorations in
Mexico. Throughout the festivities, young children take part in small Nativity plays in towns throughout Mexico leading up to Christmas
day.

SANDESHA, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005. Exempted u/s 80G of I.T. Act 1961. 6
 SANDESHA ACTIVITIES
Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Protestant Christian
Welfare Association, Mangalore Christian Council and Sandesha
joined together to celebrate Souharda Christmas 2009 on
December 17 at the Karnataka Theological College Mangalore.
Dr Sara Abubakkar, Dr Shivarama Shetty and Fr Valerian
Mendonca gave the Christmas message and greetings.
*****
Sandesha collaborated with Konkani Kutam Bahrain on their
Award Presentation function held at the Bendur Platinum Jubilee
Hall on August 13. Our students presented a prayer dance
*****
Our students took part in the function to mark the Centenary
celebrations of the Milagres Church at the Milagres Hall and
took part in the cultural programme
*****
Sandesha also took part in the Bible Exhibition organized by the
Mangalore Diocese at the Milagres College grounds Mangalore
*****
Sandesha collaborated with the Mangalore Music Centre of
Smt Vimala Lobo in conducting the Trnity Music Exams on
10-11-2010.
*****
Kuncha Kahale protest Sandesha collaborated with the United
Artists who presented a Kuncha Kahale protest against the
Mangalore Special Economic Zone August 20. The protest
comprised drawings by the artists to show the evils and side
effects of MSEZ. Several artists from Dakshina Kannada and
Udupi districts took part in the protest. They had planned to
hold the protest demonstration in front of the DC’s office but
because of the bad weather, they had to change the plan.
*****
Sandesha collaborated with the Canara Communications Centre
in organizing the screening of Sri Sandeep Malani’s documentary
“Jo Jo Lali” on HIV/Aids at the Sandesha Kalabhavan on October
15.
*****
Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial Awards
Mangalore Konkans Dubai established two endowments in
memory of Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus. These awards were
announced at a meeting held
at Sandesha on May 9. Sri
James Mendonca, Sri
Valerian Peris, and Sri Linus
Moras of Mangalore
Konkans Fr Denis D'Sa,
former Director
Sandesha, our Trustees Sri
Wilfy rebimbus Memorial Endowments P.M. Castelino, Sri Roy
announced
Castelino and Sandesha
Seel from L: Fr Valerian Mendonca, Sri
Roy Castelino, Sri Valerian Peris, Sri Director were present at this
James Mendonca, Fr Dennis D'Sa & Sri meeting.
Linus Moras
SANDESHA, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005. Exempted u/s 80G of I.T. Act 1961.
One Award named Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial
Sandesha Konkani Music Award will be presented to singers/
musicians who continue the legacy of Wilfy Rebimbus.
A jury comprising musicians will select the deserving candidates.
Rs 5 lakh have been deposited for this purpose.
Another endowment of Rs 5 lakh has been deposited and from
the interest accruing from this fund Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial
Scholarships will be given to needy students who have taken up
Music as one of the subjects at the Sandesha College of Fine Arts
Both these endowments will be managed by Sandesha
Foundation for Culture and Education.
*****
Kaladarshini Programme
Kaladarshini, a programme to give exposure to the students
studying music and arts at the Karnataka Kala Kendra, was
held on March 6. The students presented cultural items of
music and dance at the programme.
*****
Prague Visitors
Prague Charities of the
Czech Republic help our
needy students through
sponsors. The officials of
the Prague Charities along
with some sponsors
visited Sandesha on two occasions this year i.e. February 1
and April 24.
*****
Welcome – Farewell
Ms Joyce Rodrigues has joined as Accountant
in the place of
Ms Zeena D’Souza who
resigned after her marriage.
Sri Vishwas Vikram D’Souza has taken over as
Attender in place of
Sri Maxim R Fernandes who resigned.
*****
Condolences
Our condolences to the family members of the
Late Wilfy Rebimbus, Sandesha Awardee, who expired on
of March 9 and also to the family members of Late Victor
Rodrigues who expired on July 5.
Condolences to the family members of Late Santosh Kumar
Gulvady, Sandesha Awardee on his death on December 8.
May the deceased rest in peace.
*****
Congratulations to Ms Zeena Divya D'Souza, our Accountant
on her marriage with Roshan Qurdras on May 23.
7
 Christmas - The Feast of God’s Love
Compiled by Leo D'Souza
Come December and the Christians all over the world start preparations for a great feast
that comes at the end of the month i.e. December 25. It is the greatest feast in Christianity in
terms of its celebrations and merriment. The whole world also is celebrating this feast. Houses
are cleaned, new clothes get ready, Christmas and Greeting Cards are prepared, Christmas
carols are heard everywhere, children prepare the replica of the stable and the manger in which
Christ was born, decorations, paper stars, illuminations and other merriment is seen everywhere.
Mangalorean Catholics have a special set of eatables prepared, called Kuswar, prepared
and these eatables are presented to the neighbours and relatives on the feast day.
But it is strange to observe that the celebration of Christmas was unheard of in the Christian
world till the second and third centuries. In fact it was not allowed.
Jesus himself and his Apostles did not celebrate the birthday of Christ. It was only from
345 A.D., the Catholic Church started celebrating Christmas on December 25 . What can be the
reason?
Why December 25?
The word Christmas comes from Old English - Cristes Maesse – which means the Mass of
Christ or the Mass celebrated in honour of Christ’s birth and the word was first heard in 1038
A.D. Though it is recorded by historians and the Gospel writers that Jesus was born in Bethlehem,
the date of his birth remains unrecorded. The Catholic Church celebrated his birth on December
25 and the Eastern Chuches celebfrate it on January 6. Then why did the Church opt for this day
to celebrate the birthday of Christ?
The birthday of the Invincible Sun. The people before Christ and also after Christ, the non-
Christian world was celebrating the birthday of the Invincible Sun (Natalia Solis Invictus). It was a
day of merriment, celebrations, decorating trees, exchange of gifts, etc. The people who embraced
Christianity in the earlier centuries were still attracted to this feast and its celebrations in spite of
admonitions, (as it was a non-Christian feast). Jesus is the Light of the World who had come to take
away the darkness of sin and slavery and why not celebrate his birthday on this day itself was the
thought of the leaders of the Church. After much deliberation December 25 was taken up to
celebrate the birthday of Christ. Thus started the celebration of Christmas on December 25.

His birth heralded peace and joy to people lone, forlorn

He brought concern, true love and care, world’s woes he made his own
His love for men knew no bounds – the manger’s just a part
He gives a call to care and share and love with all your heart
Leo D'Souza

If not delivered please return to : Printed Matter Book Post

Director,
Sandesha, Premnagar
Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005
Tel: 2213278, 2225480 Fax : 0824-2213278
E-mail : sandeshafoundation@gmail.com
website: www.sandesha.org
FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
Edited by Leo D’Souza and Published by Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Printed at Assisi Press, Bejai, Mangalore - 575 003 Ph: 2492816
Sandesha, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangalore - 575 005. Exempted u/s 80G of L.T. Act 1961