JOY TO THE WORLD: The parish priest Fr Cipriano Da Silva ceremonially places the statue of Baby Jesus in the manger, to commemorate His birth, at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji.
PANAJI
Pealing of bells at churches and chapels in parishes reverberated all over the State on Wednesday night, as the Catholic community joyfully participated in Christmas services with traditional fervour to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
One of the most revered feasts for the Catholic Church and second in importance only to Easter in the Catholic calendar, Catholics headed to parishes for the solemn midnight Christmas services.
Christmas services began shortly before midnight in all parishes of the diocese, with hymns, carols and prayers. Most parishes conducted the midnight services outdoors on open grounds in the foreground of the church.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao presided over the Christmas service at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa, while Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes presided over the Christmas service at the Archbishop's House in the courtyard at 12 midnight, which was preceded by a preparation prayer-service at 11.30 pm.
During the midnight religious services, priests placed the image of Child Jesus in the crib in the backdrop of the choir singing carols before the actual liturgical service commenced.
During their homilies, priests recalled that God entered human history two thousand years ago and was born as a little babe in Bethlehem. The faithful were reminded to let their inner light shine, not only as messengers of the Infant Jesus, but also to embody his message in their daily life and conduct.
Masses across Parishes will also be celebrated on Thursday morning, for those parishioners unable to participate in the Christmas midnight services.
The actual Christmas season begins with Christmas Eve and continues till the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, which will be celebrated on January 11, 2026.
Every nook and cranny in Goa has been lined with eye-catching cribs, bright stars, decorations, and various other Christmas displays including decorated Christmas trees setting the mood for the festive season.
On the occasion, Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao offered their warm greetings to Goans on the occasion of Christmas.
