Christmas in Bhopal celebrating peace and religious harmony (photos)

by Nirmala Carvalho

Various local Christian Churches jointly organised a processional convoy of 58 decorated lorries and cars. The local bishop called on the faithful "to act as a bridge to avoid environmental imbalance, pollution and social divisions.”

Mumbai (AsiaNews) – At least 500 Christians from various denominations took part on Sunday in a Christmas processional convoy of vehicles in the Diocese of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, with the local bishop, Mgr Leo Cornelio, starting off the event.

“We shared the message of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace,” said the prelate, “urging people across the country to act as a bridge between God and nature in the joint search for a harmonious coexistence".

The convoy included 58 lorries and cars, decorated with coloured balloons, Christmas stars and a live crèche. The vehicles drove through city streets, starting from the Jesuit-run Campion School, going by various sites until they reached St Joseph School three hours after they left.

"We had all the necessary permits from municipal and police authorities,” said the bishop.

During the drive, Christmas songs were sung and people were able to admire traditional Christian representations, such as the Annunciation, the Magi, Santa Claus and the tree.

"Christmas is an invitation to all to correct their lives for a better future", explained Archbishop Cornelio. “Everyone can benefit from this, not only in families but also in society in general.”

The bishop also stressed the need to protect and take care of nature, as well as loved ones. "Today everyone’s life has three dimensions: God, man and nature. Very often we give priority to God and man and we forget about nature and the environment.” For this reason, “We must act as a bridge to avoid environmental imbalance, pollution and social divisions.”

In india today, noted Mgr Cornelius, “Good will, peace and love are very important. God never loses hope in human beings; for this reason, the Son of God became a child in a human family.”

“Christmas,” he explained, “unites man, God and nature, so that we can live in harmony and perpetual happiness.”

At the end of the long drive, religious leaders from the ten participating denominations cut a Christmas cake. "We thank everyone present, from all walks of life,” said the prelate, for celebrating the joy and happiness of Christmas".