Chaitanya, Shimoga, December 21, 2020: The Diocese of Shimoga and the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society, Shimoga in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Shimoga, District Judges Forum, Shimoga organized Christmas Sahamilana with Civil Workers on 21 December 2020 in Chaitanya, Shimoga. The purpose of the programme was to acknowledge the services of the Civil Workers and to honour them for their services to the society.

Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga and the President of the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society presided over the programme. Sri. B.Jayantha Kumar, III Additional District & Sessions Judge, Shivamogga and Smt. Saraswathi K.N., Member Secretary, DLSA, Shivamogga were the chief guests. The programme began with Prayer. Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Secretary of the Society and the Director welcomed the dignitaries and the invitees. In his key note address the director stated that God became man and took service as his mantra and through selfless service God who became man loved the humanity. Sri. B. Jayantha Kumar appreciated the services of Civil Workers and how their services were crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic. Smt. Saraswathi K.N. noted that the Legal Services Authority has to organize programmes for the Civil Workers. She thanked the organizers of the programme for thinking about honouring the Civil Workers.

Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ in his presidential address explained the true meaning of Christmas in today’s context. God became man so that we become more human. God wants us to rise above from our present status. He thanked all the Civil Workers for what they are to the society. Christmas is giving, sharing. God gave His only Son for our sake. We too are giving today. We are giving a small gift to each and every one of you. It is not to measure your work but to express our gratitude. The Bishop wished them prosperity in the coming years.

All the Civil Workers who participated in the programme received a gift each. Mr Vincent D’Mello proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs Madhu B. E., staff of SMSSS compered the programme. Christmas Sahamilana with the Civil Workers ended with a sumptuous dinner for all.