Mumbai: Well-fortified with thick coats and warm shawls, members of the Christian community will head out to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas mass Sunday. Two of the few churches that did still host mass at midnight, like St Michael’s Mahim and Mt Mary Basilica in Bandra, have advanced the timing this year for public convenience.
The archbishop of Bombay, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, who celebrates his birthday on December 24, will lead mass at Holy Name Cathedral in Colaba. Bishop Prakash Patole of the Church of North India (CNI) will be the main celebrant at St Thomas Cathedral in Fort.
Cardinal Gracias’ Christmas message includes a pertinent prayer. “May the Lord sustain the commitment of those with public responsibilities in political and economic life, which they may work to pursue the common good and protect the dignity of every human life.”
“May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulnerable, especially children who are abused, women who suffer violence, and victims of human trafficking, drug trade and wars who are forced to flee as refugees,” he said.
Churches citywide have invested several days of labour into cribs depicting the Nativity. St Pius in Mulund has a unique theme. Fr Cleophas Fernandes said, “We have bifurcated our crib into two halves. The right side depicts darkness — manifested in sin, injustice and corruption — while the left side is lit up with the goodness of service, concern and generosity.”
The school attached to St Pius has prepared a crib as well. Nearly 4,000 worshippers who come for midnight mass are looking forward to the unveiling.
The archdiocese of Bombay organised several programmes ahead of Christmas Day. On Kargil Vijay Diwas December 16, 400 schools were invited to Antonio da Silva school in Dadar where members of the armed forces encouraged them to take up a career in this field. Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM and Sena Medal winner, a hero of the 1971 war, was chief guest.
Then in a unique fundraiser the priests of Holy Name and Archbishop’s House cooked and served a five-course dinner for parishioners. The beneficiary will be the Katkari community of Raigad.
Last Sunday an inter-religious panel discussion was hosted by Cardinal Gracias that focussed on conflict resolution.
(The Times of India)