Mangalore Parishes Usher In Christmas with Night Mass

By John B Monteiro
Pics by John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 24 Dec 2013: Catholics in Mangalore ushered in Christmas with the singing of carols after dusk followed by festive Holy Mass, mostly outdoors.

 
Once called Midnight Mass, this festive celebration now starts around 8.00pm. It is preceded by carol (popular hymns relating the birth of Christ) singing and followed by people wishing ‘Happy Christmas’ by shaking hands, kissing on the cheeks and hugging, depending on the closeness of the relationship. Then people retreat to their homes for family dinner or cozy get-togethers with relatives and friends.

 

 

 
Midnight Mass at 12.00am was the traditional highlight of Christmas. But, over the last quarter century, the Mass timings were advanced to 7/8 PM for reasons of security and safety. In Udupi diocese, a couple of churches are said to be celebrating the traditional Midnight Mass.