The Gwalior-Chambal Christian Association held an exhibition and rally to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The exhibition cum rally was inaugurated by Rev VC Joseph, the President of the Gwalior Chambal Christian Association. The celebrations this year were muted due to the sudden and tragic demise of the Gwalior Bishop in a car accident.
The 65 year old Bishop, Dr Thomas Thennat succumbed to a severe head injury when his car skidded and overturned on the highway between Shivpuri and Pohri day before yesterday night. The Bishop was returning to Gwalior after attending the Annual Day functions of the St Pious School in Sheopur.
Father John Xavier, the Principal of St. Paul’s School, Gwalior who was following the Bishop’s car took the injured Bishop to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.
According to sources in the Gwalior Diocese, the funeral rites of the Bishop will be held at the St Paul’s Church on the 18th of this month.
The driver and two priests who were travelling with the Bishop were unhurt in the accident.
Speaking to the media persons, Pastor VC Joseph, the President of the Gwalior Chambal Christian Association said that every year Christmas is celebrated to spread the message of compassion, forgiveness and universal love that Jesus believed in and taught.
He added that this message is all the more important today as there are divisive tendencies and intolerances in many quarters.
Pastor Joseph also said that the late Bishop, Dr Thomas Thennat was scheduled to inaugurate the rally and exhibition.
He added that the customary festivities and celebrations associated with Christmas will not be there this year as the community is mourning the demise of the Bishop.
Sujith Williams, Past President of the Rashtriya Isai Mahasangh; Ranjith, Vice –President, the Gwalior Chambal Christian Association, Vandana Arora, Municipal Councilor, Adv Amar Singh Mahore, Father SP Das and Pastor Kamlesh also spoke on the occasion.
The Rally was attended in large numbers by devotees, priests and pastors of the region.