Bring Cheer among the poor – Bishop Dr Derek
BM Bureau, December 24 : Early evening masses organised by churches in the city marked low -key Christmas celebration in Belagavi Thursday evening. All the churches had made elaborate arrangements to implement COVID SOPs amid prevailing Covid situation. Instead of having the traditional midnight mass, churches in dioceses of Belagavi and Karwar observed masses at 7 pm.
During the Christmas mass at Fatima Cathedral in Belagavi Bishop Dr Derek Fernandes urged the faithful to celebrate Christmas by visiting the poor and marginalized especially the Covid ridden families.
” Reach out to those suffering from Covid pandemic, bring cheer among poor and all the people who suffered badly by visiting their homes” he urged.
Meanwhile, confusion prevailed due to hip-hop strategy observed by Karnataka government regarding night curfew. ” As we are uncertain as to when the government would implement and withdraw the right curfew decision, Bishops decision of celebrating early Christmas mass was appropriate” a Christian faithful quipped.
Later at midnight all the priests will be offering special prayers in churches to maintain and revere the tradition of midnight mass as Jesus was born at midnight. On Friday, the Christmas day, masses have been organized at Immaculate Conception Church, St Anthony’s Church, Camp; St John the Baptist Church, Ganeshpur and all the other churches in and around the city. Social programs and religious events will mark the weeklong Christmas week that will culminate in the Nee Year 2021.
Photo : Bishop Derek Fernandes offering prayers and celebrating mass at Fatima Cathedral.
