Udupi: Christians in the city celebrated Christmas with great pomp and gaiety here, on December 24. Most of the churches held the grand Christmas mass at night. Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo concelebrated the grand mass at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur.
Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi celebrated the mass at midnight. The churches were decorated with glowing stars and other decorating lights. The festive mass started in different churches from 7.30 pm onwards. Cultural programmes by the members of parishes also added spice to the Christmas celebration.
In St Antony’s Church Sastan, Fr Prakash (Rector of Assisi Nilaya Moodubelle) concelebrated the Christmas mass along with Fr John Walter Mendonca (parish priest of the church) and Fr Jospeh Lewis (guest priest).
Cribs were laid out at churches and at homes, depicting the birth of Christ and the joy that prevailed with his birth.
Various churches in the district like Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi, UBM Church mission compound, St Lawrence Church Moodubelle, Holy Rosary Church Kundapur and other churches were decorated with colourful lights and festooned with stars.
The district wore a festive look as non-Christians also joined the celebrations in large numbers and wished their Christian brethren on this occasion. Vinay Kumar Sorake, district minister in-charge, also conveyed his wishes to the Christian community on this occasion.