Christmas in Mumbai's Off-the-Beaten-Path Churches
By Snehal Mutha | Published: December 23, 2023 07:45 PM2023-12-23T19:45:40+5:302023-12-23T19:46:48+5:30
While Mumbai's iconic Mount Mary Church in Bandra gets plenty of attention during Christmas, other churches in the city ...
While Mumbai's iconic Mount Mary Church in Bandra gets plenty of attention during Christmas, other churches in the city hold equally rich histories and traditions. Here's a look at three lesser-known churches where thousands gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
St. Peter's Church, Bandra
- Established in the 1840s, this church offers a serene escape from the bustling Hill Road.
- Midnight masses are held outdoors to accommodate over 3,000 attendees.
- Preparations begin a month before Christmas, with a special wreath featuring four purple candles for Advent and one pink candle for joy.
- The church provides Christmas hampers to families in need.
- Unique tradition: Celebrating St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, on December 6th.
I C Church, Borivali
- Vibrant and festive atmosphere, with streets adorned with fairy lights.
- Unique Christmas tree made from 1,500 plastic bottles, symbolizing faith and environmental consciousness.
- Significant ritual: The offering of bread and wine, representing the body and blood of Christ, brought from Bishops at St. Pius College, Goregaon.
Francis Xavier's Catholic Church, Vile Parle
- Founded almost 90 years ago, this church is set to become a heritage site.
- Features a magnificent garden with statues of Jesus and Mary.
- Houses a small orphanage established by Mother Teresa, still operational.
- Unique tradition: A procession reenacting the arrival of baby Jesus.
- Emphasis on crib-making, with themes ranging from current events to space missions.
Common Christmas Traditions Across Mumbai's Churches
- Liturgical masses
- Carol singing
- Crib-making
- Distribution of vouchers to families in need
- Midnight masses attended by thousands
- Joyous gatherings and home visits
These hidden gems showcase Mumbai's diverse Christmas celebrations, testaments to faith, history, and community.
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