LOUIS RODRIGUES
BELGAUM
Christmas, the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ, the messiah of peace, joy and forgiveness, is being observed across Belgaum from the midnight of December 24.
Prayers followed by celebrations and greetings highlighted the Christmas celebrations in and around the city. Busy preparing the Christmas sweets and decorating their households and churches to welcome Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, Christians will now take part in the festivities that have been planned across Christmas week.
With Christmas trees, cribs, illuminated churches and homes, the city has indeed taken on an elegant look.
In his Christmas message, Administrator of the Diocese of Belgaum, Fr Eusebio Fernandes, who hails from Assolna, has urged people to identify the presence of God in the underprivileged and destitute.
“Christmas is a festival of peace and joy. The birth of Jesus brought hope to the whole world “ the shepherds, the wise men and angels, all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. Christmas is an experience. Every time a child is born into this world “ it’s Christmas for us. Every time we see the face of a stranger, a beggar, a destitute, an orphan and we recognize them as our brothers and sisters, it is Christmas for us,” Fr Fernandes stated.
He has also urged people to reach out to the needy out of care and compassion.
“Every time we are moved to reach out in compassion, care and concern to the least and the lost, it is Christmas for us all,” he said.
“May the birth of Christ foster peace and harmony amongst peoples and bring humankind the message that God still loves the world,” Fr Eusebio has stated in his Christmas greetings.
Meanwhile, Christmas is being observed in all the city churches comprising Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Immaculate Conception Church, St Anthony’s Church and other churches. Throughout Christmas week, people gather in the premises of the churches to take part in religious and social programmes, special activities and Christmas celebrations for children, poor and old people.
The festivities will culminate with the celebration of the New Year on January 1.
