Udupi: The Mangalore Catholic Co-operative Bank Ltd organised a Christmas celebration at Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor, here on December 13.

Francis Cutinho, chairman of MCC Bank presided over the programme. Fr Clement Mascarenhas, parish priest of Moodubelle parish, Vinay Kumar Sorake member, Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Kaup were the chief guests. Wilson Rodrigues, member, Zilla Panchayat Udupi, Fr Richard Quadras, parish priest of St Theresa Church, Mumbai, Fr professor Ivan Madtha, Gospel magician, diocese of Mangaluru were the guests of honour.

Jerald Fernandes, Ida Gibba D’Souza, former Zilla Panchayat members, Udupi, Henry Menezes, managing trustee of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Alwyn Patrao, vice chairman of MCC Bank, directors Jerald Jude D’Silva, Melwyn C D’Souza, Archie Menezes, Stephen Pinto, Anil Lobo, Marcel M D’Souza, Sevrine Lobo and general manager Sunil Menezes, Thomas Sequeira among others were on the dais.

The celebration began with a prayer dance led by children of Manasa Special School. The programme was inaugurated by Fr Clement Mascarenhas by lighting the lamp along with the dignitaries on the dais.

Addressing the gathering Fr Mascarenhas said, “Children speak the language of God. God loved us so much that he gave his only Son. God is love. Let us all speak the language of God. We can only do so by being good to our fellow human beings.”

Addressing the gathering Vinay Kumar Sorake said, “MCC bank has been in existence since 104 years. They instil hope in the people who are in need and who are in distress. Here they have come with hope for the poor. I remember spending my birthday with family members here. I wish the best for the bank and salute them for their social concern. I wish all of you a merry Christmas.”

The chairman of MCC Bank Francis Cutinho welcomed the gathering. In his presidential address he said, “Christ was born poor. He asked us to love the poor people and showed us how to carry the cross of tribulations. Christmas is the feast of peace. Even warring nations made peace during Christmas. Peace from us should be shared. We celebrate this feast here today with innocent children. They are sinless. Let us be good to them. May Jesus lead us on the path of peace and righteousness.”

Wilson Rodrigues spoke on the occasion.

Fr Ivan Madtha presented a Gospel magic show. Children of Manasa Special School, Pamboor, Asha Nilaya Special School, Udupi, Spandana Special School, Udupi, Chethana Special School, Karkala, Arunodaya Special School, Karkala, Naryana Vikala Chetana Special School, Tallur, Kundapur, Aasare Special School, Manipal and Vagijyothi Deaf and Dumb School, Kundapur with their teachers were present and performed cultural programme.

Children, as well as elders, enjoyed the Christmas celebrations with Christmas carols, songs, jokes and Santa Claus presented by MCC Bank employees.

General manager Sunil Menezes proposed the vote of thanks. Staff of Karkala branch Rayan Praveen compered the programme.