PATNA: Illuminated with string lights and decorated with festoons, city
churches are all set to welcome worshippers on Christmas. They have been decked up and preparations are going in full swing for the midnight celebrations.
Padri Ki Haveli, one of the oldest churches in Patna, will hold Christmas Day service at 8.00am and the midnight mass at 11.00pm on Sunday. "At least 200 devotees are expected to be part of the mass prayers and other rituals that will be observed during the midnight celebrations," Father Suresh XaXa OFM Cap said on Saturday.
Nearly 500 Patnaites are likely to attend the midnight mass at St Joseph's Pro Cathedral Church at 11.30pm on Sunday. According to Father Shekhar, refreshments, including cake and coffee, will be distributed among devotees.
The midnight celebrations at St Mary's Church in Phulwarisharif will begin at 10.30pm. "Illuminations, carol singing and Santa Claus will be the highlights at our church. Those who miss the midnight mass can attend the day service at 8.00am on Christmas," said Father Paul.
More than 1,000 devotees will attend the evening service at the Baptist Union Church near Khaitan Market at 6.00pm on Sunday. "Christmas Day service will start at 9.00am," Rev Moses Victor Thomas told this reporter.
