News n Pics : Herbert Joseph Menezes
The historic St. Peter Church in Barkur came alive with festive spirit as parishioners gathered for a grand Christmas celebration led by the Kudru ward. The evening's festivities commenced with an enchanting carol service that filled the sacred space with melodious hymns and traditional Christmas songs.
Under the skilled direction of Eric Soans, the church choir delivered a soul-stirring performance, setting the perfect atmosphere for the holy celebration. The carefully selected repertoire of carols echoed through the church, creating a deeply spiritual ambiance that touched the hearts of all present.
The celebration reached its pinnacle as parishioners embraced the true spirit of Christmas, exchanging warm wishes and greetings with one another in a beautiful display of community bonding. The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) added an extra layer of joy to the festivities by organizing a series of engaging activities that brought smiles to faces young and old alike.
A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Santa Claus, who spread Christmas cheer among the gathering. The ICYM's innovative gift auction drew enthusiastic participation from the congregation, while a meticulously crafted Christmas crib captured the essence of the Nativity scene, drawing admiration from all who beheld it.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda addressed the gathering with heartfelt Christmas wishes, emphasizing the message of love, peace, and unity that the festival represents. His words resonated with the assembled parishioners, reminding them of the true meaning of Christmas.
The celebration successfully blended religious reverence with community fellowship, creating lasting memories for all who participated. The event stood as a testament to the vibrant spiritual life of St. Peter Church and the strong bonds within its parish community.
The thoughtfully planned program, from the opening carols to the concluding wishes, reflected the dedicated efforts of the Kudru ward in organizing this memorable Christmas celebration. As night fell, the church grounds continued to buzz with the warmth of fellowship and the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ.