Panaji

Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao on Wednesday extended Christmas greetings and expressed hope that the festival would usher in peace in a “disturbed world”.

Describing Christmas as a celebration of God’s love for humanity, the Cardinal said the festival conveys a profound message of humility and compassion.

“The all-powerful God humbled Himself so much that He became part of the very Creation He had brought forth, so as to lift it up and unite it back to Himself,” he said in a statement.

Referring to the present global situation, Ferrao said that in a world where power and strength are often glorified, peace and justice seem like a “distant dream”.

“The Child at Bethlehem brings to us a clear message that Love, with humility, can create a world of peace, justice and fraternity,” he said.

The Archbishop expressed hope that Christmas would bring peace to the disturbed world, justice to the oppressed, and fraternal love to families, neighbourhoods and those in need.

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“Along with our Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes, I wish the entire Catholic community and all people of goodwill a joyful and blessed Christmas,” he added.