United prayers on Xmas Eve

At the stroke of the midnight, when the air is filled with season’s greetings and euphoria, youngsters from all religions are set to celebrate Christmas with pomp, gaiety and devotion. As the churches in the city, don a festive look, we speak to those heading to the midnight mass tonight.

Radio Indigo RJ, Melodee Austin reveals, “What I appreciate the most about us Indians is that irrespective of what faith one follows, come December there’s a Christmas star lit up in houses even if you do not follow the religion. Morning or midnight masses are well attended to in mighty numbers. I will be attending the morning mass with my parents and family as we are a new big family with new members added, so this Christmas will be extra special. I will pray for tolerance and happiness.”

It’s a festival where everyone likes to greet each other with gifts and blessings for model Harsh Chauhan. He says, “On Christmas we visit the Church for thanking the Lord for everything He has given us. I like to listen to soothing and melodious carols at the mass where I feel blessed. I keep busy with shows throughout the year, so this one day I like to take out time to attend the midnight mass with friends.”

Agrees, another model, Swati Bhandari, who is a Hindu, “Midnight mass is significant for me, since its one day we religiously attend the midnight mass at Infant Jesus Church with friends every year. It gives us an assurance of feeling at peace with our souls.”

Sharing his opinion that Christmas is increasingly becoming a cultural event for all religions is singer Biju Nair. “I have very sweet memories, as I visit the church with my Catholic friends every year. Also, wine, whiskey, cake and music add to the gaiety.”

Santosh Gyanakan, CEO of ACTS Group of Institutions feels, “Christmas is not a festival for Christians alone. If some people feel the need to step into church for a few minutes in a year, they do it at this time of the year and are reminded that God loves them.”

Adds, 29-year-old, Joy Richard, who works with Busy Rooms and also tries baking cakes, “We get together and celebrate with homemade wine and cake. I will go to the St. Patrick’s Church and the Infant Jesus Church in Vivek Nagar around 11.30 pm tonight and stay there till dawn. Nothing can beat the feeling of goodness, joy and tranquility after the midnight prayers. The post mass parties at Catholic Club add to the spirit of the festival for me.”