United Christmas Rally Celebrates Love, Peace and Unity

Chikmagalur, December 21, 2024: Christians from various denominations gathered in large numbers at the Chikmagalur Town Taluk Office on December 17 for the United Christmas Get-Together and Programme. The event, organized jointly by the Commission for Ecumenism, Diocese of Chikmagalur and the All Karnataka Christian United Forum for Human Rights, aimed to spread the spirit of love, peace, joy and unity. Bishop T. Anthony Swamy of Chikmagalur, presided over the celebration, which included hundreds of priests, religious leaders and pastors from local parishes and churches.

The programme featured prayers, a reflection on the significance of the Christmas season, and carols, along with tableaus and Santos dancing, which captivated attendees. The religious leaders led an open jeep procession through the town, accompanied by the Mangalore Brass Band, drawing admiration from civilians and people of other faiths. The cultural evening, held at Kuvempu Kala Mandhira, was attended by local officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, as well as other dignitaries.

In his address, Bishop Anthony Swamy emphasized the message of love preached by Jesus Christ and reflected on the special significance of this Christmas as the world prepares for the Jubilee Year 2025, commemorating the birth of Christ. The event concluded leaving the crowd inspired and united in faith. 

By Fr. Rayappa