The Christian community celebrated Christmas
The scene of baby Christ in his crib lined with straw in a manger… was re-enacted or reproduced at many places where celebrations were under way. In well-decorated homes, carefully wrapped gifts for friends and family awaited to be opened by everyone dressed up in new clothes enjoying the delicious food prepared specially for this occasion alongside Christmas trees adorned with decorations from city roads that included reindeers pulling sleighs and Santa Claus.
“The main celebrations began on Christmas eve…” – Dawn, December 26th, 2024
Celebrations in Karachi’s Churches
St Patrick’s Cathedral Erection of the Tallest Tree for this Year: A Mention by Cardinal Joseph Coutts with Priests and Community
The bilingual midnight mass drew a big congregation. However, Archbishop Benny Mario Travas could not attend due to his commitments in Lahore; Father Robinson took charge of the English service instead while Father Amir or Father Shakil led other services across different churches throughout the city with additional celebrations planned for Christmas Day including masses and prayers tailored toward people speaking Urdu.
- Masses at 7:30am, 9:30am in English & 11:00am Urdu – St Patrick’s Cathedral
- Additional services organized throughout the city across different languages like Punjabi as well – Dawn, December 26th, 2024
Security and Cultural Harmony Amidst Festivities
The government of Sindh ensured special security at all churches during Christmas to promote harmonious cultural celebrations among friends. Many carols in English, Urdu, Punjabi were sung by various choirs while Bible readings and prayers specific for the season took place within church walls along with shared feasts of cakes and other delicacies extending joy beyond Christian homes to neighbors from all faiths – Dawn, December 26th, 2024