Jesus spoke, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” – John 8:12/12:46
Mangaluru: Imagine the creator of this vast universe who has all knowledge, all power coming to the ones he created to make himself known to them. Well that’s exactly what took place almost 2,000 years ago. To communicate with us in the best way possible, “God “became flesh,” He became one of the creatures he made, man. Why did God do this? Because our greatest need is an eternal one. It’s not about what we can gain in this life, in profits or pleasure or making a lasting imprint on this earth. None of these will satisfy our soul. Ours is a spiritual need, one that we were created for, to have fellowship with God and do His will.
Jesus came to earth because he loves us; He came to deliver truth in a world of false beliefs. But the main reason He came to earth was to be the final sacrifice for our sins. The simple reason is because we are not good, some may think they are, but none are as good as they think when compared to God’s standard–Jesus Christ. His love prompted him to become man to accomplish what only He could, to rescue mankind. Because we are sinful, in a spiritually wrecked condition we are in need of redemption but could not redeem ourselves. Nothing short than the eternal creator could accomplish this; no man with sin could qualify to redeem us with his life. God would come to earth as man to cleanse the affect of the disease of sin inherited to all humanity. That is what is so amazing about the Bibles story of Jesus. The creator came to earth; God who is perfect, righteous and holy lived among his creatures that are unholy, unrighteous, even those who were enemies of him.
Jesus came to earth because of God’s love for all of us; no matter what religion, country or culture we were born into He wants fellowship with us. He wants us to experience the mercy and forgiveness that is needed to make us whole. Based on the scriptures/story in the Bible, Bannu Fernandes has compiled and written a elaborate story in Kannada on the life and victory of Jesus Christ named ” Anthyadindha Aarambha” ( End Was The Beginning) .Bannu along with Corrine Rasquinha-the founder of “The White Doves” will be staging a mega Kannada stage play, “Anthyadhindha Aarambha”, at the Padua High School grounds on March 15, at 5:45 pm. For all the Catholic faithful, this play will be a good way to mark the Lent season. Over 125 actors ranging from all age groups and from all walks of life will feature in this nearly two-and-a-half hour stage play. Since the Play has been sponsored by various donors and well-wishers, it will be staged free of cost to the public.
A press meet was held at Mangalore Press Club, where Corrine Rasquinha -founder of White Doves briefed the media persons about the projects undertaken by White Doves, and also about the forthcoming drama. According to Corrine the main purpose of organizing this play was to mark the Lent Season, and also to raise funds for the construction of White Doves new project- a 200 bed Psychiatric Nursing Home for the Destitute at Maroli-Mangaluru. The land of 49 cents near Maroli has been donated by the Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, who has been a great supporter of the White Doves for the last 18 years.
While appreciating the generous support of many donors and well-wishers, and also while looking forward for more support from the general public, Corrine Corrine said, “We have always trusted in our God. He has always provided for the needs of White Doves through large hearted, generous people. The paper work is going on and the foundation for the building of ground plus two floors will commence by March end. We remain grateful and thankful to God Almighty who makes all things possible. Any kind of help is most welcome by us”
White Doves presently runs two homes for the destitute with 120 inmates picked up from the streets of Mangaluru irrespective of caste, creed or religion. White Doves also feeds over 100 hungry mouths everyday near the central Railway Station. On Thursday evening, I made a visit to the Padua grounds, where the rehearsal for the play was going on in full swing- with actors full enthusiasm of enthusiasm. A 212 feet long unique stage designed by Bannu was getting the final touches, including other arrangements for the play.
Speaking to me at the venue, writer/choreographer of the play, Bannu Fernandes said, ” I had this idea for the last so many months- I wanted to write and create a unique play, and I am happy that I have come up with “Anthyadindha Aarambha”.- browsing through details in the Bible and other sources I completed writing this story within 3-4 days. I have been associated with White Doves for so many years, and also written couple of plays for them namely St Francis of Assisi, St Sebastian etc in the past. My main intention in writing this story was to bring to the awareness of the people, that it was not the end when Jesus Christ died, but it was the beginning of new life. Jesus Christ has performed various miracles, risen people from dead, cared for the sick and destitute etc etc- and through this play I want to highlight it. ”
He further said, ” I am really happy to have dedicated and enthusiastic actors who have been coming here for the rehearsal for the last so many days. I am thankful to Corrine Rasquinha for directing the show, and I am confident that under her guidance and direction this play will be successful and win the hearts of all those who will be coming to see it. I have also composed a 10 mins ‘Way of the Cross’ song which will be sung during the show by Kerala’s renowned singer, Lijo Thalakootur.
I am looking forward for the fullest support from the Christian community and others in my future ventures- only through support and encouragement I can fulfill my endeavours and dreams”.
Also speaking to me at on the rehearsal stage, Corrine said, ” All that Jesus did was save me. My salvation was purchased at such a price, that’s why I want the whole world know, for those who think Jesus’s death on the Cross was the end of everything, but it is the moment everything begins. this play will reveal everything. I want people in thousands to come and witness this unique play which has been well-written by Bannu Fernandes, as always. Be here on Sunday evening, and see and feel something different that is taking place for the first time on such a mega 212 ft stage. Looking forward to see you all-Jesus loves you all”.
According to the organizers a huge crowd of over 5 to 6 thousand is expected to witness the show from Mangalore, Udupi and around Mangalore. J R Lobo , MLA Karnataka Government has consented to be the Chief Guest. Rev. Fr. Antony Serrao, Rec Fr Michael Santhumayor, George Pinto, Rev Pramod Goni, Sunil Baliga and Sunil Kumar Bajal will be the Guests of honour. Witnessing the rehearsal on Thursday evening, I can say that the Play will surely enthrall and wow the crowd. So keep your Sunday evening free, and head on to Padua grounds to witness the best “Mega Religious Play”. Praise the Lord, Alleluia!
Other members present during the press meet were Vitus Rasquinha, Trustee-White Doves, Jerald Fernandes, Manager, White Doves, and Leslie Rego, Member White Doves.
About White Doves:
White Doves a 19 year old NGO founded by Mrs. Corrine Rasquinha, has since been involved in taking care of the destitute picked up from the streets of Mangalore. These destitute, mentally derailed wandering in various physical conditions are picked up by White doves bathed, groomed and medically attended to. Some continue to live at the White Doves home not knowing from where they originated. The others are rehabilitated and some reached back to their homes in various parts of India including Nepal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra etc. White Doves has recorded over 60 such cases. The two Homes are run by the White Doves purely on the generosity of the public and has no grants or funds from the Government to date. However whenever a mentally challenged female or male person is found on the streets the Police department brings them into White Doves Homes even at the dead of night..
Presently the homes have 120 inmates irrespective of caste or creed or religion. In addition the white doves have helped build 8 houses for the poor and provides ration to 25 poor families on monthly basis. Poor Student and poor patients are helped by the White doves. Another initiative of White doves is the daily feeding and over 100 poor and hungry mouths are fed everyday on the streets of Mangaluru -With the sole aim that no one should go to bed without a single meal at least.
