Mangaluru: Just like in Bethlehem, the silent night of December 24 teemed with festive spirit as thousands of people from the city’s Christian community flocked to decked-up churches to ring in Christmas: the holy festival which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
As per tradition, midnight masses were held in various churches of Mangaluru such as the Rosario Cathedral in Bendoor, the St Lawrence Church in Bondel, and even the Milagres Church in Udupi. Amidst the twinkling Christmas Stars, devotees earnestly looked on as the parish priests performed rituals before the baby Jesus idol, recited passages from the Bible, and delivered messages of hope and love.
After the formal ceremony, devotees approached and snapped photos of the main attraction which was the manger set up on the Church premises. Through all of it, soft voices humming familiar Christmas carols pierced the night air.
