MANGALURU, November 11, 2025 — The Christian community of Mangaluru gathered at the Bishop Jathanna Auditorium, Karnataka Theological College (KTC), Balmatta, to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—celebrating it as a timeless foundation of Christian faith and unity. The event, held under the theme “Celebrating Faith that Unites Us,” was jointly organised by St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu; the Ecumenical Commission of the Diocese of Mangalore; the Mangalore Christian Council; the All-Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights; and Karnataka Theological College.

Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the gathering. Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Secretary of the Ecumenical Commission and the Mangalore Christian Council, opened the programme with words of welcome, after which the dignitaries inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp—a gesture of shared faith and witness.

Theological Reflections: The Power of “We”

The first keynote address was presented by Rev. Dr Prof. Dexter S. Maben, Presbyter of the CSI-Karnataka Central Diocese and Visiting Professor at UTC, Bengaluru. He offered a deep reflection on the Nicene Creed’s historical origins and ongoing relevance, interpreting the collective affirmation “We believe” as a profound response to the modern tide of individualism. His analysis highlighted the Creed’s enduring theological, ecclesiological, and ecumenical significance.

The Creed as Identity and Mission

Rev. Dr Alexander Kalarikkal, Director of St Joseph’s Institute of Theology, Jeppu, emphasised that the Nicene Creed remains the doctrinal foundation and identity marker of the universal Church. Drawing on the wisdom of the early Church Fathers, he noted that the Creed continues to preserve and transmit the Church’s faith across generations.

A Creed for All Time

In his presidential address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reaffirmed the Creed’s abiding vitality within Christian tradition. “The great and unique Creed preserved by the Church down the ages cannot be suppressed. It will be preserved for eternity, for ever and ever,” he declared, affirming the Church’s enduring continuity of faith.

Ecumenical Presence and Leadership

Reflecting Mangaluru’s vibrant ecumenical spirit, the meet brought together leaders from diverse Christian traditions, including Rt Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese; Most Rev. Dr James Patteril, Bishop-elect of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Belthangady; Rev. Fr S. Charles, Diocesan Vicar, Believers Eastern Church; Rev. Prabhuraj M. of the CSI fraternity; Rev. Goldin Bangera, noted ecumenical collaborator; and Dr Sebastian K. V., ecumenical scholar and professor. The organisers felicitated the newly elected Bishop James Patteril during the programme. Rev. Dr H. M. Watson, Principal of KTC, moderated the proceedings with scholarly precision.

Faith in Communion

The celebration drew strong participation from priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and lay faithful from St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary and Karnataka Theological College, testifying to a shared commitment to the unity of the Body of Christ. The programme concluded with a cultural performance presented by students of both institutions. Rev. Dr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Seminary, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt appreciation and calling for sustained ecumenical collaboration in the years ahead.