Bangalore: St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore opened its doors to over 150 migrants on Thursday, bringing together priests, religious, and seminarians for a heartfelt Pre-Christmas Gathering that celebrated unity, inclusion, and the spirit of the festive season.
The programme was spearheaded by Fr. Franklin Minj, Director of the Migrant Mission in Bangalore, who presided as Chief Guest and Celebrant. Addressing the participants, he stressed that Christmas is a call to embrace compassion and solidarity not merely as seasonal sentiments but as enduring responsibilities. He urged the faithful to continue walking alongside migrant families, ensuring they are treated with dignity and supported in their struggles.
Rector Fr. Richard Britto, the Guest of Honour, participated in the celebrations alongside Fr. Joseph Souza (Administrator), Fr. Jude Doss (Pro-Rector), Fr. Arokia Anthony (migrant mentor), and migrant leader Sanjeev Khalkho, who attended with his core team from Yeshwanthpur. Their joint presence reaffirmed the seminary’s dedication to nurturing pastoral outreach and strengthening ties with migrant communities across the city.
The event unfolded with prayer services, Christmas hymns, and a series of cultural presentations showcasing the rich diversity of the migrant groups. The joyful atmosphere fostered a sense of belonging and gratitude, offering participants an opportunity to connect, share their stories, and begin the Christmas season with renewed hope.
The seminary described the gathering as a continuing effort to build bridges of understanding and support among the city’s most vulnerable communities as Christmas approaches.