PANAJI
The Covid pandemic may have necessitated a departure from traditions, adjustments in religious services and enforcement of safety measures, but it did not dampen the Christmas spirit and fervour as the Catholic community joyfully celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ in the State.
Besides the Christmas Midnight Mass, parishes all over the archdiocese celebrated additional Masses with smaller congregations on Thursday night, keeping in mind the SOPs, protocols and other guidelines of the archdiocese and the government.
Elaborate arrangements were made for those participating in the Masses on Friday night, while Masses were also live-streamed for those unable to physically attend the services on Friday night.
The adjustments in Masses and other religious services as well as adherence to various SOPs and protocols on account of the pandemic did not deter the presence and participation of the Catholic community at Christmas Masses in churches, chapels and other Catholic places of worship.
The mood among the Catholic community and the spirit of Christmas this year was aptly summarised by Fr Clifford Castelino, Parochial Administrator at St Anthony Church in Siolim.
“The phrase "we've never done it this way before" is off the table. No one has ever celebrated Christmas in the midst of a pandemic.”
“But even in the midst of a pandemic, the Christmas spirit is alive. So, this was an opportunity to be innovative and creative, find new ways to engage in rituals, connect to the story of Christ's birth to the immediate moment in fresh ways, establish new traditions when old ones are not viable, discover new pathways of faith and not lament the road blocks,” said Fr Castelino.
“We needed to brace the idea that Advent and Christmas this year would not be the usual flurry of activity because of gathering restrictions and health guidelines. Circumstances were different this year, but desires and aspirations have been the same and we needed a Christmas that builds up the church,” said Fr Castelino, who also holds a doctorate in psychology.
Fr Olavo Caiado, Parish Priest at Our Lady of Remedios Church, Nerul, said Christmas was celebrated joyfully with a focus on the families.
“Although all parishioners could not come together to celebrate at one time, there were four masses where people took part. Covid cannot dampen our spirit. The Spirit of Christmas is love,” said Fr Caiado.
