Chaitanya, Shimoga, December 22, 2023: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society, Shimoga celebrated Christmas with the staff of the organization and the well-wishers on 22 December 2023. The celebration began at 8.30 AM with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of Shimoga and the President of the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society. “Dhareyolu Lokarakhshakana Janana, Manava Devaranthagalu Ahvana” was the theme chosen for this year’s Christmas celebration. Based on the theme of the celebration the Bishop explained through various illustrations how we can become like Jesus. He highlighted the importance learning the language of Jesus and living the life accordingly. Jesus undertook three important journeys in his life, among them the journey of coming from his domain to the world was the longest. Human beings had their own plans and lived their lives according to their plans. But God had his own plans and through Jesus’ earthly life and preaching explained to human beings how one can become Godlike. The priests from the negihbouring parishes and communities joined the celebration and prayed for the donors, the staff and all the partner families. The Religious Sisters too joined the celebration and shared the joy of Christmas with everyone present for the occasion.
After the Eucharistic Celebration the Bishop blessed the beautiful Crib. The crib helps us to recall the First Christmas in the history of humanity. In his Christmas message, the Director of Chaitanya and the Secretary of SMSSS, Rev. Fr Dr Clifford Roshan Pinto noted that this year’s Christmas is more meaningful and joyous because of the celebration of Christmas with the Differently Abled People on 20 December 2023 and with the Transgenders on 21 December 2023. He also noted that on 18th, 19th and 21st December the ICDP staff have personally visited the houses of all the Differently Abled Children and also the elders who could not attend the program on 20 December 2023 due to their inability to travel. All these special categories of people received special gifts from the organisation. The Director said that because of our reaching out to these special groups of people this Christmas is special one. The Director thanked the entire SMSSS staff team for their committed service because of which many more deserving marginal families are coming to the mainstream. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024. He also recalled the generous support of the donor agencies and the individual donors and opined that because of their generous support we are reaching out to many more people.
The director distributed special gifts to all the Priests and Sisters present for the celebration. The staff of SMSSS received special gifts from the organisation and also Christmas bonus for their committed, dedicated service to the Organisation. The staff members were overjoyed to receive the surprise gift and Christmas bonus.
After the distribution of gifts, the staff members shared the joy of Christmas through group activities, Christmas dances and skits. The exchange of Christmas gifts with their respective Christmas friends was a moment to share joy and express gratitude. At the end, the Director expressed that in spite of the hardships and financial constraints, SMSSS has been successfully implementing all the programmes and activities without any difficulty. Though economic crisis is a major concern, the benevolent God has generously blessed the Organisation with timely support from various donors. The celebration ended with the baila dance. On behalf of the entire staff Mr Jagadeesha K. H. thanked the Director for his love and concern towards the staff of SMSSS and noted that it is solely because of the hard work and efforts of the Director the organisation is doing excellent work and today’s celebration is an indication of the same. Mrs Gracy R., Mrs Mary Stella, Mrs Philomena D’Almeida and Mr Madhusudan shared their opinions noting that the concern of the Director towards the staff and the needy people is great. This in itself is bringing in tremendous changes in the society. The organisation ended the year 2023 with a feeling of gratitude with a strong hope for a bright, prosperous and successful New Year 2024.
