Goa Raj Bhavan Christmas get-together hosted by Governor Pillai and first Lady Rita… present were representatives from the Archbishop’s house, local parish priests, Martho Maa Sabha, Saint Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church and others from various social service institutions, along with Raj Bhavan staff
By Our Special Correspondent
IT was a sunny and special day at the Raj Bhavan’s Darbar Hall, the first of its kind! Goa’s genial Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai hosted a Christmas get-together prayers and lunch for representatives of various Christian social welfare charities at the Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan on December 23, 2021. Both Governor Pillai and First Lady Rita greeted and welcomed everyone warmly.
Provincial Heads Fr Lucio Dias and Fr Deniz Fernandes both traced a little bit of the history of Christianity and why Christians of all several denomination celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and how he led the then world in teaching goodwill, humility and service to all human beings, especially the poor and underprivileged of the times…any good religious practice is about being human enough to be divine! God helps those who are charitable, kind and compassionate. Christianity is the essence of all universal religions and devoted to forgiving the sins of the world and ameliorating the suffering of people.
The choir Echoes of Grace comprising of Frank and Agnela Estrocio and Lemuella De Mello sang some familiar Christmas hymns — “Angels we have heard on high,”, “Joy to the World” and the melodious “Feliz Navidade.” This was followed by the soothing and gentle Malayalam hymn devoted to the birth of Jesus – “King of the Earth” (Paril nadhan pulkodathilayi/Sneha nadha elimayode/Vannu bhoovil vachanom jadomayi ananda…innolo aa dinam/Christmasil poon dinam…”) by Reverend Sheejo and Jintu Abraham, Rev Sheejo is the vicar of Marthoma Church in Santa Cruz who were there with their little daughter Olivia. A Christmas souvenir was released and after prayers were said everyone proceeded for a sumptuous lunch.
Governor Pillai was present through the lunch chatting and listening to various guests. Lunch comprised of some excellent chicken and egg curries, with aloo palak, cauliflower sabzi, dal, roti and quintessential Goan Christmas sweets, namely bebinca, dodol and a dark chocolate cake superlatively delicious. Merry Christmas and goodwill and peace to one and all on earth, let the bells ring with joy!