Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 24: Christians across the city thronged churches in large numbers on the eve of Christmas on Wednesday December 24.
Celebration was in the air as thousands of devotees made their way to churches to participate in the Christmas Mass.
Churches across Mangaluru
At Rosario Cathedral, the Mass was led by bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza.
Urging the faithful to follow the path of Jesus Christ, the bishop said, "God became man and lived with us on earth and became our saviour. He was called Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us'. He lived a simple life and he did only good things though he lived among the good and the bad. He did not hate anybody. He loved all of us. When we celebrate Christmas today, if we do not do good deeds, it is not Christmas at all; then we are not respecting God.
"The present situation in the world is very bad. Hatred has spread among people. We must do only good deeds, only then can we live a happy life. What is the point in life if we do not follow what God wants from us? He loves everyone. It does not mean we should become selfish. Let us make this world a selfless one by following Jesus." he added.
Rosario parish priest Fr J B Crasta, Fr Alwyn Serrao, Fr Rocky Fernandes, Fr Amith Rodrigues, Fr Lawrence D'Souza and Fr Prakash D'Souza also participated in the Mass.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza cut the cake after the mass and wished each and everyone a merry Christmas.
Carol singing, colourful cribs, sparkling lights, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees in churches across the city added to the festivity.
Udupi diocese
Mangaluru diocese
- Blessed Teresa of Kolkata Church, Paldane
- Our Lady of Dolours Shrine, Bela
- St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai
- Sacred Heart Chuch, Suratkal
- St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor
- Holy Cross Church, Cordel, Kulshekar
- St Sebastian Church, Bendore
- St Lawrence Church, Bondel
- Corpus Christi Church, Moodbidri
- Milagres Church
- Rosario Cathedral