Most of the parishes in the diocese held the Christmas-eve mass late evening on December 24. Mangalore 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 in the evening and festive mass in all churches in and around the city.

At Bendur Parish the festive mass was celebrated by the former parish priest of St Sebastian Church Fr Valerian D’Souza along with Parish Priest Fr Antony Serrao assistant parish priest Fr Paul Crasta, Fr John Baptist Moras and Padua college principal Fr Michael Santhumayor

In his homily Fr Antony said that when we celebrate Christmas we have to understand the meaning and keep three facts in mind that Jesus is Emmanuel and He came to revitalize the relationship between God and all of us. The second fact is Son of God become man so that the son of man may become the son of God. The third fact is the beautiful existence between us.

He further said that in this modern world we forget our duties, we do not get time to pray, we do not know who is our next door neighbour. We go to the church and go back home and sit inside our houses without helping the needy.

While concluding Fr Antony said, “Christmas is a time to spread joy, peace and harmony but how much joy we are spreading around us has to be introspected. Do not harden your heart, be more human and help the poor and the needy and celebrate a true Christmas”.