City churches decked up for Christmas celebrations

Patna: As Christmas approaches, churches across Patna, Danapur and Khagaul are coming alive with festive cheer, devotion and community celebrations. Iconic churches such as Padri Ki Haveli, St Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, Queen of Apostles in Kurji, St Luke’s Church, St Stephen’s Church, Christ Church and several others are being adorned with sparkling lights, glittering trees, traditional cribs and festive decorations. The celebrations are drawing large congregations, with both long-standing residents and visitors joining in the festivities.

Fr Selvin Xavier SJ, Parish Priest of Kurji Church, said the preparations had been underway for the past four weeks. “Today, the Vincent de Paul Society distributed blankets to the poor, and we organised a programme for children. A major programme involves going house-to-house for carolling, which we completed this morning. Apart from the decoration, two cribs are being prepared, one near the Chapel and another at the church ground for visitors,” he said.


Highlighting the spiritual essence of the festival, Fr Selvin added, “Christmas is about the birth of Christ, showing God’s love for the world by becoming human. Over 3,000 devotees will offer prayer on Christmas. The church has scheduled two evening services on Dec 24, at 7.30pm and 10.30pm, while the morning mass on Dec 25 will be held at 7am and 8.30am.”

Fr James George, Vicar General of the Patna Archdiocese, said, “Volunteers are going door-to-door for carol singing. A Christmas tree will be installed at the Pro-Cathedral Church ahead of the celebrations. On Dec 24, the Patna Archbishop will lead a mass prayer at 10pm, and a morning service will take place on Dec 25.”

At Padri Ki Haveli, a get-together for Christian families commenced with carol singing. The campus has been decorated with fairy lights, and two cribs have been set up at the church premises and another near Mother Teresa House. Fr Joachim Ekka OFM Cap, Parish Priest, said, “On Christmas eve, the night prayer service will be held at 10pm, and the morning service is scheduled at 8am on Dec 25.”

In Danapur and Khagaul, preparations are equally grand. Rev Bipin Ancomcha highlighted that the 198-year-old St Luke Church and the 172-year-old St Stephen Church are emerging as major attractions. “Special prayer services, carol singing and midnight Mass are scheduled, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and rich heritage associated with these centuries-old churches. Altogether 1,000 devotees including civilians will participate in the special carol singing and prayer on Christmas Day,” he said.

At Khagaul, the 132-year-old Anglican Christ Church and 119-year-old Catholic Church are readying for gala celebrations, with Santa Claus expected to delight children. Dr Pawan, Anglican Christ Church president, said, “Special arrangements have been made to ensure smooth conduct of services and celebrations on Christmas Day. Traditional hymns, Christmas carols and the exchange of greetings will strengthen the sense of unity and brotherhood.”

With faith, tradition and festive joy blending seamlessly, Christmas this year promises a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience for devotees across Patna, Danapur and Khagaul.

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