Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 23: As people around the world are enthusiastically preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar hosted a beautiful Christmas get-together 2015 to mark the beginning of Christmas celebrations at the Diocesan level at Presentation Sr. Sec. School, Gandhinagar today
Since the inception of the diocese in 1986, it is the tradition to celebrate Christmas with officials from the administration, police, army and other institutions. This Joyful occasion was marked by the benign presence of Dr Nirmal Singh, Deputy Chief Minister as the Chief Guest, Rajesh Gupta, MLA, Jammu East, Navin Aggrawal ADGP, S M Sahay ADGP, Danish Rana IG Jammu, H. K. Lohia IG Technical, Simrandeep Singh DC Jammu, Dr. Sangetha Gupta, Principal, Commissioner, Income Tax. People from various sections of the society also took part in the function.
At the outset of the event, students of Carmel Convent School presented prayer dance followed by lighting of lamp. Colorfully dressed choirs from St. John's Special School, Mandal, St. Mary's Cathedral, St. John's CatholicChurch, Bakshinagar and St. Mary's Presentation Sr. Sec. School sang melodious Christmas carols with a tableau depicting the Birth of Jesus Christ.Most Rev Ivan Albert Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar Diocese delivered the Christmas message and extended his greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Christmas festival. In his message he vividly expressed the teachings of Jesus Christ, Peace, Love Harmony and brotherhood to all the people of Jammu- & Kashmir. He also prayed that the Peace and Harmony may prevail in the coming New Year 2016. He expressed his heartiest thanks to all who attended the function.
Addressing the distinguish gathering, Dy.C.M said the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ underlines the need to follow the ideals of sacrifice, service, redemption, love and compassion. Dr. Nirmal Singh wished and expressed happiness for the commendable service rendered in the fields of education, health care and social service by the Catholic Church in the State". |
