- 17 December, 2025
Dec 17, 2025: Blending cultures and harmony, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) witnessed a powerful expression of Christian unity through “Krista Namana,” a Christmas cultural celebration that brought together believers from across denominations in a shared proclamation of faith and joy. The programme was organised by the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights – KGF Zone at Bethel Mission Church, KGF, drawing clergy, pastors, and faithful from across the region on Dec 14.
The Karnataka-level celebration featured music, dance, and carol singing, with cultural performances presented by many churches, including the First Christian Church, Baptist Church, Church of South India (CSI), Lutheran Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Interdenominational Pastoral Forum, and the Roman Catholic priests of the KGF deanery. The performances reflected the diversity of Christian traditions in KGF while expressing a shared spirit of celebration and unity.
The programme was presided over by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, President of the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights and was also graced by the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Susainathan. Delivering his Christmas message at the United Christian Forum (UCF) Karnataka-level celebration, Archbishop Machado described the occasion as “a very historic day,” highlighting unity among Christians and the deeper meaning of Christmas.
“The KGF unit of the UCF is not only born, it is active,” the Archbishop said, pointing out that although it is “one of the youngest units of UCF in all of Karnataka,” it hosted a Karnataka-level celebration. Reflecting on the region’s history following the closure of the mines and the poverty that followed, he said KGF “could be called the Bethlehem of Karnataka,” adding that hosting the celebration here brought “a lot of joy.”
Emphasising unity, Archbishop Machado said, “We are of one mind and one heart. We may be from different churches and different denominations.” Differences in worship styles, he noted, were secondary, as “there are more things that unite us than those that separate us,” including the Bible, Christmas, the Word of God, and faith.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Christians today, the Archbishop clarified, “We are not here to force our faith on anybody, not to convert anybody, not to give incentives to anybody to become Christians.” Instead, he said, “in the heart of our hearts, we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore we are all together today.”
Highlighting the heart of the feast, Archbishop Machado stressed, “You cannot celebrate Christmas without Jesus.” He observed that while many celebrate Christmas through lights and festivities, “Christmas means Jesus born among us,” and without Him, the celebration loses its meaning. He described Christmas as “a feast of joy, a feast of peace, a feast of the poor, and a feast of love,” before wishing everyone “a very happy Christmas and all the blessings of the New Year.”
Delivering his presidential address, Pas. Frank Godberg John said the celebration bore witness to “the love of the Lord and the unity in Christ Jesus,” as Christians from across Kolar Gold Fields came together in faith. He noted that KGF, located at one corner of Karnataka, is home to at least seven Christian denominations and thanked the leaders and representatives of the various churches for their presence. He concluded by giving glory to God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
The celebration came together under the leadership of Pas. Frank Godberg John (President), Fr. Jayakaran (Vice-President), Rev. Robin Marshall (Secretary), and Pas. Prabhudoss (Treasurer) of the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights – KGF Zone, standing as a lived expression of Christian unity and shared faith in Kolar Gold Fields.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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