As the festive season of Christmas envelops the region, churches in Patna, Danapur, and Khagaul are radiating with devotional energy and community spirit. Historic landmarks and local parishes alike are being transformed with brilliant lights, traditional nativity scenes, and glittering Christmas trees, setting the stage for large-scale celebrations.
Patna's Iconic Churches Prepare for Grand Observances
The festive preparations have been a labor of love for the past month. Key churches like the iconic Padri Ki Haveli, St Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, Queen of Apostles in Kurji, St Luke’s Church, St Stephen’s Church, and Christ Church are central to the celebrations. Father Selvin Xavier SJ, Parish Priest of Kurji Church, detailed the activities, noting that the Vincent de Paul Society distributed blankets to the poor and a special program was organized for children. A major highlight was the house-to-house caroling, which was completed recently.
"Christmas is about the birth of Christ, showing God’s love for the world by becoming human," emphasized Fr. Selvin, capturing the spiritual core of the festival. He expects over 3,000 devotees to offer prayers on Christmas Day. The Kurji Church has scheduled two evening services on December 24 at 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM, with morning masses on December 25 at 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM.
At Padri Ki Haveli, celebrations began with a get-together for Christian families featuring carol singing. The campus is aglow with fairy lights, and two cribs have been installed—one at the church premises and another near Mother Teresa House. Parish Priest Fr Joachim Ekka OFM Cap announced the night prayer service on Christmas Eve at 10:00 PM and the morning service on December 25 at 8:00 AM.
Centuries-Old Heritage Churches in Danapur & Khagaul Join Festivities
The festive fervor extends beyond Patna to the neighboring areas of Danapur and Khagaul, where preparations are equally magnificent. Reverend Bipin Ancomcha highlighted the significance of the region's ancient churches. The 198-year-old St. Luke Church and the 172-year-old St. Stephen’s Church are emerging as major attractions for devotees.
"Special prayer services, carol singing and midnight Mass are scheduled, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and rich heritage associated with these centuries-old churches," Rev. Ancomcha stated. He added that altogether, about 1,000 devotees, including civilians, are expected to participate in the special carol singing and prayer on Christmas Day in Danapur.
In Khagaul, the 132-year-old Anglican Christ Church and the 119-year-old Catholic Church are ready for gala celebrations. Dr. Pawan, president of the Anglican Christ Church, confirmed that special arrangements are in place for smooth services. "Traditional hymns, Christmas carols and the exchange of greetings will strengthen the sense of unity and brotherhood," he said. Adding to the joy, Santa Claus is expected to visit and delight the children.
Archdiocese-Wide Celebrations and Spiritual Unity
The coordination for the celebrations spans the entire Patna Archdiocese. Father James George, Vicar General, shared that volunteers are engaged in door-to-door carol singing across communities. A Christmas tree will be installed at the Pro-Cathedral Church ahead of the main events. The spiritual pinnacle will be a mass prayer led by the Patna Archbishop on December 24 at 10:00 PM, followed by a morning service on Christmas Day.
The common thread weaving through all preparations in Patna, Danapur, and Khagaul is a seamless blend of faith, cherished tradition, and communal joy. This year's Christmas promises not just a memorable celebration but a profoundly spiritually uplifting experience for thousands of devotees, reinforcing bonds of community and devotion.
