C.M. Paul
Kolkata, Dec 25, 2025 — Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined the Christmas midnight service at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary in Kolkata, where Archbishop Elias Frank presented her with a handcrafted table‑top crib set.
The 13‑piece set, made of 8 cm fibre‑glass figurines, portrays Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus, accompanied by three Eastern kings bearing gifts, an angel, a shepherd, and animals including sheep, a cow, a camel, and a donkey. The work was executed by local artisans under the direction of Subrata Ganguly, head of Church Art firm .
Archbishop Frank described the gift as a symbol of peace and inclusivity. “Christmas is not only for Christians. It is a celebration of light and hope for all people. This crib reminds us that God chose to enter the world in humility, and that message belongs to everyone,” he said.
Ganguly emphasized the craftsmanship and cultural resonance of the set. “Our artisans poured devotion into every detail. The nativity scene is more than art; it is a reminder of shared humanity and the values of compassion and harmony,” he explained.
Cathedral Rector Father Franklin Menezes welcomed the chief minister’s presence as a gesture of solidarity. “Her participation at the midnight Mass reflects the spirit of Kolkata, where people of all faiths celebrate together. The crib set is a token of that unity, a reminder that Christmas calls us to stand with one another in peace,” he said.
Banerjee expressed gratitude for the gift. “I am deeply touched by this gesture. The nativity scene is a symbol of peace and togetherness, values that Kolkata has always cherished. Festivals like Christmas remind us that harmony among communities is the true strength of Bengal,” she said.