Christmas Mass at St Antony Church, Anthonykatte & Christmas celebrations by SAY

December 25, 2024: The Christmas celebration at St Antony Church, Anthonykatte, on December 24 was observed with great devotion, enthusiasm, and festive cheer as a large crowd came together in joy. The evening began with 30 minutes of non-stop carols by the church choir, which filled the church with melodious tunes, creating a prayerful atmosphere to welcome the birth of Christ.

The solemn Christmas Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Francis Rodrigues, Parish Priest, who in his homily highlighted the true spirit of Christmas as a celebration of peace, hope, and love. The congregation actively participated in the liturgy, making the celebration deeply spiritual and memorable.

This year’s celebration also marked the first anniversary of the youth group, St Antony Youth (SAY), whose dedicated participation and vibrancy added special significance to the occasion. Following the Mass, parishioners showcased their cultural talents through dance, skits, and melodious singing, which captivated the audience and spread festive joy. The arrival of Christmas Santa brought immense happiness to children, as he distributed gifts, filling the evening with laughter and excitement.

On the occasion of Christmas, the St Antony Youth organised various competitions, including Greeting Card Making, Carol Singing, Star Designing, and Home Crib Competitions. The winners of these contests were honoured with prizes, which were distributed by Fathima Ward Gurkar, Shri Felix Mathias, and Rev. Fr. Francis Rodrigues, Parish Priest. The prize distribution was gracefully compared by Ms. Anvitha Pinto, while the cultural programme was compered by Mr. Ian Mathias and Ms. Sweedal Mathias, ensuring smooth and engaging proceedings.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship dinner arranged for all, strengthening community bonds. The night ended on a high note with a lively baila dance, where many joined together in joy, music, and celebration, marking a truly memorable Christmas celebration at St Antony Church, Anthonykatte.