Pilar: To celebrate the message of Christmas with government officials and civil service officers, the Society of Pilar, hosted a festive Christmas High Tea, at Pilar Pilgrim Centre on 25 December, in the distinguished presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, the honourable Chief Minister of Goa.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sawant said, “Jesus came into the World to spread the message of peace, love and unity.” He further said, “truth and service are two important messages in the Bible which tell us that service is the greatest form of love”. He applauded the members of the Society of Pilar for being at the forefront in the field of education and preserving the culture and unity of Goa. Speaking about the ethos of Goa, Dr. Sawant said that harmony and unity has been the identity of Goa. He pointed that “in India, often there have been attempts to bring division among people on the basis of caste and religion, however, the people of Goa have thwarted such attempts. Since 1961, the rest of India sees Goa as the beacon of unity.”
The host, Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, the Superior General of the Society of Pilar said that “Christmas is the celebration of peace, and Jesus the prince of peace, brings love, joy and peace from the Father”. He further said, “the Church becomes the visible face of Jesus Christ in her service to humankind”.
Speaking about the Society of Pilar and its members, Fr. Fernandes said that “the Pilar Fathers and brothers are the visible face of Goans throughout India and abroad to carry the message of peace, harmony, joy and love that exists among Goans, although we may belong to different creeds”. He further said that “the Society of Pilar is a small drop in the ocean, which is the church, engaged in the service of our the poor and needy. Though few in number have spread throughout India engaged in educational and social apostolate trying to make a difference in the lives of our people”. Fr. Fernandes thanked the Chief Minister and all the government officials for supporting the Society of Pilar in carrying forward the mission to serve the poor and the needy. He concluded by saying “Goa is the best brand and blend of unity, culture, and harmony that we find in India”.
At the outset of the programme Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, the director of the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, welcomed the Chief Minister and all the other dignitaries and guests. He said that “Christmas is a nice day to celebrate our togetherness and share the joy of Christmas”
The Saviourites of Loutolim, a group of over 45 singers and musicians presented carols in Konkani, Hindi and English to the delight of the chief minister and other guests. The chief minister in his speech applauded and appreciated Seby Fernandes, the choir master and the group for their versatility.
The program ended with the national anthem followed by Christmas tea and fellowship. The entire program was ably compered by Sheryl Vaz.