The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) hosted a grand Christmas celebration at its center in New Delhi on the evening of December 23, 2024.
The event, which was marked by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest, showcased the true spirit of Christmas—peace, goodwill, and unity.
The program commenced with an opening hymn by the renowned musician Stephen Devasi, setting an atmosphere of harmony and devotion.
Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto, Secretary General of CBCI, welcomed the gathering in his address.
A delightful Christmas musical welcome by differently abled children moved the audience and embodied the inclusive values of the season.
Modi was felicitated with a shawl by Archbishop George Antonyswamy, Vice-President-I of CBCI, and a memento by Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas, Vice-President-II of CBCI.
In his presidential address, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath reflected on the essence of Christmas as a time to build bridges of understanding and serve those in need.
He said "Christmas is a time when we come together to celebrate the message of peace, love, and goodwill brought to us by the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
“This gathering is a powerful symbol of the unity and harmony that defines the spirit of India. Prime Minister, your vision for a united and progressive India echoes the Gospel values of inclusion and service to all.”
Also, he voiced the concerns of the Christian community in his address, stating:
"As we rejoice in the message of Christmas, we are also mindful of the challenges faced by some community members in certain parts of the country. It is with utmost respect and humility, that I bring to your kind attention the concerns of those who have been targeted by anti-social fringe elements. These incidents of violence and discrimination not only harm the affected individuals but also disrupt the harmony and unity that you so tirelessly strive to uphold."
In his address, Modi emphasized: "The teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony, and brotherhood. It is important that we all work to make this spirit stronger. However, it pains my heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society. We must come together to fight such challenges."
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of CBCI, and a concluding prayer by Oswald Cardinal Gracias.
A significant milestone of the evening was the launch of the newly designed CBCI website and CBCI mobile application, symbolizing the Church’s strides in digital outreach.
“The CBCI extends heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister and all dignitaries who participated in the celebrations, making it a memorable occasion of unity and hope,” said Fr. Robinson Rodrigues, PRO, CBCI.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
