Nagapattinam| Thanjavur: Special prayers and midnight mass marked the Christmas celebrations since last midnight, in various churches in Nagapattinam Tiruvarur, Tiruchy, Karur, Perambalur, Ariyalur, and Pudukkottai districts. A midnight mass was conducted at the historic Punitha Arokia Matha (Velankanni Maadha) church (Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health) at Velankanni in Nagapattinam district, in which a large number of devotees and pilgrims took part. Later, a special prayer was organised under the leadership of Rev Fr. Rector Prabakaran Adikalar. At Elakurichi in Ariyalur district, a large number Christians took part in the Christmas celebrations at the historic Punitha Adaikala Annai Thiruthalam (Church) built by late poet and Tamil scholar Veeramamunivar and Punitha Arulanandhar Church at Thrumanur near Ariyalur.
Two woman take selfies with a Christmas tree in the background.
In Tiruchy city, special prayers were performed at various churches including at the Lourdhu Maadha church and Thooya Mariyannai church since midnight last night, attended by thousands of faithful. These apart, members of the Christian fraternity exchanged greetings with relatives and friends, sharing cakes and sweets in celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. In Thanjavur, merry and joy marked Christmas celebrations on Monday. midnight mass was held (Sunday night and Monday morning) to celebrate the Birth of Jesus at various churches in the town. At Sacred Heart Cathedral at Mary’s corner, Devadoss Ambrose, Bishop of Thanjavur led the midnight mass. A Child Jesus doll was taken and put at the ornamental crib after which people exchanged greetings. Cakes were cut and distributed to people.
