CHRISTMAS MEGA PAGEANT 2013 - WHITE DOVES

CHRISTMAS MEGA PAGEANT 2013 - WHITE DOVES

Mangalore Today News Network

By I J Saldanha Shet

Mangalore, Nov 30, 2013: Each year as Christmas approaches Mangaloreans look forward to a special treat, the ‘White Doves’ extravaganza and the  mega road show the story of  JESUS  CHRIST.  This pageant set in a ‘mobile’ frame suited to present times when everything is mobile. The spotlight  on the wondrous birth of JESUS  moves the hearts and minds of those who see this ‘Biblical fact in a mobile act’. The language is very local and easily grasped, the music is as only the ‘White Doves’ can  deliver, for they are well known for their music all over the world may I say.  In a span of an hour the quality of the message of  Peace Joy and Liberation is a moving deep down experience.

 

File Photo

To quote from recent apprecation & gratitude for the humanitarian work of the ’WHITE DOVES’ of Mangalore, Most Rev.Dr.Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of  Mangalore wrote, "The contribution that ’White Doves’ a renowned NGO headed by Ms.Corrine Rasquinha in Mangalore, has been making to the society defies adequate description. I have known this organization for over a decade. For the past 15 years or so it has been putting up Christmas Carols programme..............The voluntary contribution collected on these occasions is set aside entirely for the benefit of the destitute. It has been admirable to note that this NGO has been taking care of 92 destitute mainly of psychiatric illness, of all ages in two homes. The commitment and dedication of thr members to humanitarian initiatives is commendable. They feed every day over 80 people on the streets since 15 years  without counting the cost. Over and above, the White Doves has built 6 houses for the poor besides looking after medical expenses of poor patients. Over a period of  four and a half years, it has spent Rs 5 lac on one kidney patient alone! Indeed it is a big-hearted gesture." 

Such appreciations are many but when you see it in reality you will know that the impossible is done and that God is a reality! The care that the suffering receive is amazing in the two centres. Now  let us learn more about the C’mas road show!  The whole show is moved on platform trucks  that serve as multi stages. The shows for understandable reasons are arranged to start in the evening. In recent years it has acquired the quality of a  non-stop ‘sound and light’ show with no waste of time between scenes, very artistic and professional.  The content, the authentic costumes and the performance it self is stunning and captures the  heart and mind of  young and old. Even real camels from the nearby beaches are often included. The performers, over a hundred, are drawn for their talent and trained  with calculated  precise movements. People of all faiths  come out and it’s value added message is inviting and unforgettable. About half hour before the show the advance party of singers with popular instruments and digital sound reaches the spot and announces the programme at hand and  foot taping C’mas carols fill the air, with the spectacle starting at the given time. Several costumed ‘Santas’ dancing to jingle bells cheer the people especially children with candies.

 

 

 

Then the first of the decorated platform trucks rolls in with the singers and  sound effects. Ms.Corrine Rasquinha introduces the programme at hand and explains the finer points. There is singing and  narrations in diferrent languages. The other trucks are in place by this time and the show goes on.The  message of ‘CHRISTmas’ – that it is not only a time of merry making and commercial consumerism.  As the show ends volunteers collect whatever the people desire to offer and the proceeds are used for the work of  the ‘White Doves’  among the marginalized visible before us.  May the White Doves of Peace and Joy bring you and all men of Goodwill many blessings in the coming NEW YEAR! Do make it a point to witness this at least once in a life time and add your mite to the efforts! Don’t miss this opportunity!

SHOW PROGRAMME DEC.2013: (All are Welcome - seats available)
1. December 5th: 8.pm : Infant Jesus Church Bikarnakatte. Mangalore.
2. December 6th: 6.pm : Mount Rosary Church. Santhakatte. Kallianpur.
   December 6th: 8.pm : Mother of Sorrows Church. Udupi.
3. December 7th: 6.30.pm: Nehru Maidan NH.66. Kundapura.
4. December 8th: 6.pm. Nehru Maidan.State Bank. Mangalore.
   December 8th: 8.pm. Padua high School Grounds. Mangalore.