Mysuru: The Mysore Diocesan Commissions for Differently Abled and Prison Ministry India had organised Christmas celebration at Catholic Centre in Bannimantap.

The event began with Holy Mass presided by the Apostolic Administrator of Mysore Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop (Emeritus) followed by cultural programmes by differently abled children from Mercy Convent, Srirampura, Montfort School, Sneha Kiran Spastic Society and Spandana Special School. Children of Divya Krupa and Vidya Jyoti School performed the prayer dance and sang Christmas carols. 

Dr. Bernard Moras spoke about the love Pope Francis has for differently abled kids and that it was the desire of the Catholic Church to ensure inclusiveness of all children of God irrespective of their ability and talents.

Esthelle D’Souza,  Secretary, Commission of the Catholic Church for Differently Abled, Karnataka Region, who was the chief guest, shared her journey of bringing up a differently abled child after resisting advice from people to abort her child, now aged 23. She promised all help to those parents who are bringing up differently abled children.

On the occasion, Brother Jayaprakash, Superior General, DDS, was felicitated by the Archbishop for his service in the Prison Ministry. Coordinators of Prison Ministry Units in Mysuru, Nanjangud, K.R. Nagar, Chamarajanagar and Madikeri presented reports of their activities.

The gifts sponsored by the faculty and staff of St. Joseph’s Nursing College and Lunars company were distributed to the children by Dr. Bernard Moras.

Bernie Fernandes and Reena compered the programme. Nitin and team led the choir. Sr. Mable D’Silva, SCB, proposed the vote of thanks.

Monsignor Alfred Mendonsa – Vicar General, Fr. Joseph Marie – Coordinator of Diocesan Commissions, Fr. Sebastian – Financial Administrator, Fr. Abilash – Bishop’s Secretary, Fr. Thomas Baros – Secretary of the Commission for the Disabled  and Dr. Michael Noronha –  Diocesan Secretary of Prison Ministry India were present.