Mumbai: Christmas festivities began on Tuesday evening with churches holding the ‘Mass for the Vigil of the Nativity’, also called the Christmas Eve mass or the midnight mass. The Christmas Eve service, celebrated by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, at the Holy Name School Ground, Colaba, from 9.30 pm was streamed live.
At the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, or Mount Mary, at Bandra, the programmes began with carol singing at 9.30 pm, followed by the mass. Churches will have multiple religious services on the morning of Christmas Day. For most churches, the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, December 31, will be filled with religious and cultural events. St Peter’s Church, Bandra, will host a choir festival and a barbecue night during the week. New Year’s Eve will have a Thanksgiving mass after 10 pm. Most churches will hold multiple masses on January 1.
Bishop Of Vasai, Thomas D’Souza’s Message
In his message, the new Bishop of Vasai, Thomas D’Souza, said that Christmas means joy to the world. “This Christmas, when you wish somebody, reach out to that person and bring joy to their lives. Try to bring happiness in the lives of the poor, the ailing, the unhappy, and the lonely,” said D’Souza, who asked church members to donate the value of one meal to charity.
As he prepared for Christmas, Cardinal Gracias spread the festival cheer with children from underprivileged communities in South Mumbai. An event of games and dinner was organised by the Colaba Conference of Saint Vincent De Paul, with help from volunteers.
Pope Francis Opens The ‘Holy Door’ Of St Peter’s Basilica
On Tuesday, Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, opened the ‘Holy Door’ of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to mark the inauguration of 2025 as ‘Jubilee Year’.
The year, observed once every 25 years, is a period of renewal of faith, reflection and commitment to faith, as well as a time for seeking forgiveness. In Mumbai, Cardinal Gracias will inaugurate the ‘Jubilee Year’ on December 29, with a celebration in Holy Name School, Colaba
