Special mass in churches at midnight and Tuesday morning marked Christmas celebrations across the district on Tuesday.
A large number of men, women and children in colourful attire participated in the special Christmas mass at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Melaputhur, Lady of Lourds Church, Main Guard Gate, Holy Redeemers Basilica, Palakkarai, St. John’s Church, St. Christopher Church, All Saints Church and other churches in the city and other parts of the district.
Churches had set up cribs depicting the birth of Christ. Carols were sung as part of the celebrations.
Meanwhile, people belonging to all religions participated in a communal harmony Christmas celebrations held at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Melaputhur, on Tuesday morning. Most Rev. Antony Devotta, Bishop of Tiruchi, delivered the Christmas message, and underlined the importance of maintaining peace and communal harmony.
Shailesh Kumar Yadav, Commissioner of Police, was the chief guest and he greeted Christians and other communities for extending cooperation for maintaining peace and religious harmony. Mr. Yadav distributed Christmas cake to leaders of various communities.
S. Selvakumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, G. M. Hashim, former state propaganda secretary of the Indian Union Muslims League, Ravichandran, divisional vice president of the BJP, Ravi, secretary of the traders wing of the party, A. W. Shahinsha, regional president of the Minorities Confederation, Jacob, its district president, Fr. Eugene, Parish Priest of the St. Mary’s Church and others participated in the celebrations and offered their greetings to Christians.
