Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 20: To mark the beginning of Christmas celebration in the State, the Catholic Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar hosted a beautiful Christmas get-together at Carmel Convent Higher Secondary School, Kunjwani here today.
In the J&K State, the Christians form 1% of the total population. Catholic presence is recorded in the State from 1887 with the arrival of foreign missionaries in Kashmir via Rawalpindi. The small number notwithstanding, the Church has been at the service of the State and it’s people through significant contributions in education, health service and social out reach.
Since the inception of the Diocese in 1986, it has been a tradition to celebrate Christmas with officials from the Administration, Police, Army and people from all walks of life.
This blissful event was marked by the benign presence of Governor N N Vohra as the chief guest and Farooq Ahmed Shah, Commissioner Secretary, Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Prof R D Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu as the guests of honour.
The function commenced with a prayerful dance by the students of St Peter’s Hr Sec. School, Karanbagh. Rev Father Jose Vadakkel, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar welcomed the guests. The children of Carmel Convent School, Kunjwani and Presentation Convent School, Gandhi Nagar, created the spirit of Christmas through the singing of beautiful Christmas Carols.
On this festive day, Most Rev Ivan Albert Pereira, the Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar Diocese extended his Christmas greetings of love, peace and joy to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He prayed that the Lord Jesus may renew hope to all those who are marginalized; sustain the commitment of those with public responsibilities; and that people may work to pursue common good and protect the dignity of every human life.
Addressing the gathering, Vohra greeted the people on Christmas and said, “Where God is born; hope is born. Hope begets peace and peace gives no room for hatred and war.”
He hoped that the Christmas, a festival of peace and love may lead humanity to more understanding and dialogue and to true commitment to build up a strong society. The dignitaries also witnessed the celebration from various departments, organizations and institutions.
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