Today is the Christmas day on which the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated.
The Christmas was ushered in last midnight with the pealing of church bells. The midnight masses were held at all churches in the world simultaneous to the Vatican. Pope Francis used his first Christmas Day address to urge access for humanitarian aid in Syria. He told thousands of pilgrims in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican to pray for a peaceful end to violence in Syria and other conflict zones.
Large numbers participated in the Masses held throughout the country. The midnight Mass at St. Anne’s church in Wattala was held under the patronage of His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Wattala Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Basil Wickramasinghe and a large number of devotees participated.
The Mass held at St. Mary’s church in Pitipana, Negombo was telecast live on ITN. It was officiated by Colombo Auxiliary bishop Most. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, on the invitation of Rev. Fr. Sarath Nimal Abeysiri.
The morning Mass at St. Anthony’s church in Kochchikade, Colombo was held before a large congregation. It was officiated by Most Rev. Most. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando.
The midnight Mass at St. Lourdes Church in Dampe, Piliyandala was officiated by Rev. Fr. Tony Pinto.
The Christians in the east and the central hills also participated in the midnight services. A midnight service was held at St Mary’s church in Puliyantivu in Batticaloa. A large number of Catholics in the area participated.
The people in the north also celebrated the dawn of Christmas. A large number of devotees participated in the service held at St. Anthony’s church in Rambakulam in Vavuniya. Celebrations were held at other churches in the area as well. Special services were held at St Theresa’s Church in Kilinochhci and other churches in the area.
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