Parish News

Mangaluru: A Christmas-eve mass was held in all the parishes in the district to celebrate the birth of Jesus who was born in a manger, on December 24.

Mangaluru is known for its traditional Christmas celebrations living up to its reputation as the ‘Rome of the East’.

It ushered in joyous celebrations of the arrival of newborn Jesus with the singing of carols at 7:00 PM before the festive mass in all churches in the district.
At Rosario Cathedral, carols singing was held from 7:00 pm followed by the mass at 8 pm. The festive mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza along with the Parish Priest Fr J B Crasta and assistant parish priests.

In his homily, Bishop Dr Aloysius in his homily said, “We are now seeing families thinking negative about others, there is no unity and understanding but only enmity. Where there are good people Jesus is born there. Mary and Joseph welcomed Jesus when he became man. Where there is goodness there is God. Jesus loved everyone and become the good shepherd. Jesus has called us to be his messengers. When any person is happy, it reflects on his /her face.  Jesus came to this world to save us from our sins.” Let all live in happiness, peace and harmony.

He further said, “We have to prepare ourselves to accept Jesus. Our lives should be simple and we need to live with simplicity. Sometimes our education, wealth, and richness make us egoistic. When we celebrate Christmas, we have to learn to love our neighbours. We have to share our Christmas joy with the poor and the marginalized by caring for them. That is how we celebrate real Christmas in our lives.”

After the mass, Bishop Dr Aloysius cut the Christmas cake. The cake was distributed to all the parishioners who were present. Thereafter, there were a number of spot games and housie housie.

Courtesy: Mnaglorean.com