Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Dayanand Kukkaje/Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru / Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Dec 24: An atmosphere of joy and reverence prevailed across Mangaluru and Udupi as thousands of devotees gathered at churches to mark Christmas Eve with deep devotion and festive fervour.
Faithful thronged churches in large numbers on Wednesday December 24, to participate in the midnight Mass and other special prayers commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches across the twin coastal districts were adorned with twinkling lights, stars and vibrant decorations, creating a visually resplendent setting for the celebrations.
Milagres Cathedral, Udupi
The air was filled with the sound of carol singing, while colourful cribs and beautifully decorated Christmas trees added to the festive charm. Homes too reflected the spirit of the season, with cribs placed in courtyards and decorative miniatures and illuminated stars enhancing the celebratory mood.
At Rosario Cathedral in Mangaluru, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the solemn Christmas Eve Mass, emphasizing the universal message of love, hope, and compassion heralded by the birth of Christ.
In Udupi diocese, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo offered the evening holy Mass at Kallianpur Milagres Cathedral and delivered the Christmas message.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that Christmas is a time of peace and hope. "The birth of Jesus Christ in a humble manger at Bethlehem is a reminder of God’s immense love for humanity. In a world troubled by hatred, conflict, division and natural calamities, the message of Christmas stands as a symbol of God’s boundless love and abiding presence," he said.
He urged people to respond to the Lord’s gentle call to love one another and care for fellow human beings. “May our homes be filled with peace and our communities with harmony,” he said.
Describing Jesus as the Light of the World who dispelled darkness, the Bishop said Christmas is a festival that embraces human life with light and showers love. “Let Jesus, the Light of the World, be born in our hearts. Let us renounce selfishness and hatred and live with unity, mutual understanding, brotherhood and harmony,” he added.
Also present on the dais were Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Rector of Kalyanpur Milagres Cathedral, Fr Pradeep Cardoza, assistant parish priest, Fr Vincent Crasta, secretary of the Catholic Education Society, Fr Parel Fernandes of Pilar fathers, among others.
Major churches across the district witnessed a large gathering of devotees. Churches were beautifully illuminated with decorative lights and stars. Cribs and miniature figurine displays depicting the Nativity scene emerged as major attractions. The birth of Jesus Christ was artistically portrayed through cribs using small figurines.
As part of the festive celebrations, special cultural programmes were organised by youth associations in churches. Santa Claus appearances delighted children, and Christmas cakes were distributed to the faithful.
Special Holy Masses were held at prominent churches in Udupi district, including St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, led by Rev Fr Alban D’Souza; St Anne’s Church, Thottam, by Fr Denis D’Sa; St Anthony’s Church, Sasthan, by Fr Sunil D’Silva; and Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Udupi, under the leadership of Fr Charles Menezes.
The celebrations reflected the true spirit of Christmas, spreading joy, peace and goodwill among people across the district.