Mangaluru: St Anthony’s charitable Institute Jeppu held the Christmas programme at Panambur beach on Saturday, December 19.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru in his presidential address said "Jesus came into this world with a message of peace. Jesus has taught us not to hate our enemies but to love them. When we start practising this virtue of loving our enemies there will be less fights and humanity can start enjoying true peace"

Jacintha Alfred, Mayor of Mangalore City Corporation said, "Christmas is time to be happy and joyful because we recall the incident of Jesus’ coming into the world with the heavenly gifts of joy, peace and happiness." She invited people present there to love and respect all without discrimination.

Prem Kumar and team entertained the crowd with melodious Christmas Carols while St Gerosa School band added beauty to the programme. Vincent Menezes of Kokkada as Santa Claus entertained the people. A tableau depicting the scene of birth of Jesus was presented in a decorated lorry, a sixteen feet high star illumined in LED light caught the attention of everyone. At the end of the programme cake was distributed to all.

Fr Onil D’Souza, director of Saint Anthony’s welcomed the gathering. Fr Francis D’Souza, Fr Peter Gonsalves, Br Roshan and Vijay Alfred were present among others on the occasion.