As the clock struck midnight, Christians marked Christmas with heartfelt devotion and joy, as churches echoed with the sacred message of the birth of Lord Jesus in Bhopal. To mark the occasion, special prayer services and Christmas celebrations were organized in all major and minor churches across the city.

At St. Francis Cathedral in Jehangirabad, Archbishop Durairaj presided over the midnight Mass vigil beginning at 10 pm. In his sermon, he reflected that Lord Jesus was born not in a royal palace, but in a humble manger, highlighting the values of simplicity and humility.

Durairaj emphasized that Christmas is more than a festival—it is a call to foster peace and harmony in society. True celebration of Christmas, he said, is one that removes selfishness from the heart, nurtures generosity, and kindles hope amid despair.

Across the city, churches such as St. Francis of Assisi, Assumption, Our Lady of Lourdes, Infant Jesus, Queen of the Universe, and St. Joseph were adorned with beautiful tableaux depicting the Nativity and impressive decorative lighting, drawing large numbers of devotees.

In the late evening, families gathered at churches, where choir groups rendered melodious Christmas carols before the main prayer service. As midnight arrived, the birth of Lord Jesus was joyfully celebrated through hymns and cake cutting, with devotees exchanging greetings. Long queues were seen as worshippers waited for their turn to kiss the infant Jesus placed in the manger.

On this sacred occasion, Father Alfred D’Souza, Public Relations Officer of the Catholic community of Bhopal, stated that Jesus Christ, through His life, showed the path of love, non-violence, and tolerance. He noted that the celebration of Christmas encourages people to adopt the teachings of Lord Jesus in their daily lives.

The Christian community had prepared for this holy day over the past four weeks by lighting one candle every Sunday. Following the midnight prayers, special prayer services are also being conducted this morning in all churches, during which collective prayers are being offered for the nation’s peace, harmony, prosperity, and continued progress.