Flying angels soar overhead as Christmas embraces city

As Christmas approaches, churches citywide lare putting the final touches to their Christmas tree and holy crib, stringing festoons and lights to welcome the faithful. Bandra, in particular, makes a pretty picture, reports Bella Jaisinghani





Holy Name Cathedral, Colaba


The mother church of the Roman Catholic faith is undergoing extensive structural restoration. In fact the community is being invited to contribute resources. During the festive season, Advent wreath services were held on all Sundays since Nov 30. Christmas carols were followed by a concert by the Cathedral choir. On Dec 24, carol singing at 9.00 pm will be followed by midnight mass at 9.30 pm. The mass will be live streamed over the church's social media handles. On Dec 25, Christmas mass will be held in Konkani and English from 7.00 am onwards.




St Thomas Cathedral, Fort


The cathedral, seat of the CNI Bishop of Bombay, is at the heart of the Anglican faith. It was inaugurated by governor Charles Boone on Christmas Day in 1718. Its stained glass paintings are an architectural highlight. The four Sundays of Advent saw the lighting of the candles of hope, peace, joy and love. The Cathedral choir performed Dec 14, and the choir of Cathedral and John Connon School sang carols Dec 17. Wild Voices performed Dec 20. On Dec 24 festive music at 10.00 pm will be followed by mass at 10.30 pm. The blessing of the crib and the lighting of the Christ candle are highlights. Christmas morning mass is at 9.00 am.




Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra


Christmas at Mount Mary Basilica is a picture perfect celebration thanks to the beautifully restored premises and well lit facade. Youngsters and families are flocking to click selfies. Vice rector Fr Sunder Albuquerque said, "The season of Advent is a time to look back to the first coming of Jesus in history. It also looks forward to Jesus' second coming at the end of history." Weekend choir performances Dec 13-14 drew hundreds of faithful. On Christmas Eve, midnight mass will be held outdoors at 10.00 pm. Morning masses on Dec 25 begin at 6.30 am.




St Anne’s Church, Bandra


This beautiful church in Pali Hill has been decorated with winged angels flying overhead. St Anne's began as a chapel in 1858 and served the villages of Malla, Sherly, Rajan, Kantwadi, Pali, Chuim, apart from the Europeans of Pali Hill. It celebrated 150 years in 2008. This year's Christmas theme is 'Jesus: The Everlasting Light', said parish priest Mario Mendes. The Goldies Group aged above 60 had their annual Christmas party Dec 10. The crib is being built using natural grass and plant waste. On Dec 24 the parish choir will sing Christmas carols at 9.30 pm, and midnight mass in the church lawns is at 10.00 pm.




St Andrew's Church, Bandra


The newly restored church was rededicated to the parish by Oswald Cardinal Gracias on Dec 7. St Andrew was built in 1575, at the dawn of Christianity in the city. This season a Christmas novena is being held from Dec 16-24. The neo-catechumen group is praying the Lauds (morning prayer) during Advent at 6.00 am. A special healing adoration is scheduled Dec 23. Christmas Eve Mass is at St Andrew's school grounds with carols at 10:00 pm followed by mass at 10:30 pm. Christmas Day masses are at 7.00 am, 8.15 am and 9.30 am.




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