JOIN USWith just a day left for Christmas on Sunday, churches in the city are gearing up to herald the arrival of Jesus Christ. St Philomena’s Church, one of the historically significant shrines for Christians, is being decked up to mark the occasion with all pomp and gaiety.
When Deccan Herald visited the church on Friday, preparations were in full swing to erect Christmas tree and build the crib.The store attached to the church was filled with festival related articles, from dolls of Santa Claus to stars in different colours. Going by the record of previous years, the midnight service is expected to witness devotees in large numbers. Bishop of Mysore Thomas Antony Vazhapilly will lead the prayer here.
At Hardwicke Church, near double tank on Vani Vilasa road, the workers were busy decorating the 115 year building with decorative paper buntings. Father P H Hans told Deccan Herald, like every year lightings will be different this year. Nearly 1,000 devotees are expected to gather for the mass. On the day of the festival, morning service is scheduled from 8.30 am to 10.30 am. The church will be open for the people from all faiths from 6 pm the same day.
What could enhance the mood this time is the festival falling on Sunday. Weekly mass is held on Sunday in all churches and believers in different faiths attend the prayer.
Most shops near Vasavi Circle (Chikka Gadiyaara circle) were seen catering to festival shoppers. The shops were emblazoned with stars of types besides dolls of Santa in different styles, suffice to woo customers.