Team Herald
PANJIM: Unlike the year 2020, where there were strict restrictions and people had to book in advance to attend Christmas masses due to the limited seating capacity, this year, bigger crowds are expected to turn up for these masses.
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Various churches, chapels and shrines in the State have already made the announcements regarding the schedule for masses for the Christmas week and arrangements are already being made in terms of setting up chairs and pandals for the public.
Last year due to the pandemic, there was a big section of the public that chose not to attend masses out of concern for the pandemic. However, even the masses that were held were way smaller compared to the traditional large gatherings.
“We decided not to go for mass last year and watched it online. It was quite different, the entire experience and not receiving communion too but we could not afford that risk. Nonetheless it was a meaningful Christmas for us, a time for quiet reflection together with our family,” said Clifford Fernandes from Margao.
This year, the usual Christmas charm is back and the Catholic faithful are participating in various activities that went beyond just the masses.
The parish youth and musicians are already on the streets serenading families with Christmas carols. Families are also visiting their relatives and friends to exchange homemade Christmas sweets and goodies, something they had decided against last year due to safety related concerns.
“Before the pandemic it was unimaginable missing Christmas mass and not going to the Church during this festive time. It is such as important time of the year and we always look forward to this time of the year cause of the joy and happiness that’s all around us,” added Roselle Azavedo, a senior citizen from Navelim.
A priest, who did not want to be named, pointed out that there has been no directive from the Bishop’s house to curtail celebrations and that masses are being held with crowds for a couple of months now. He also said as of now Parishes are have been allowed to take their own decisions with respect to masses.
“People want to attend masses like before. It is a very special occasion and has great meaning. There is a biblical imperative for the members of our faith to attend these masses in person and last year, it was scaled down in the interest of the safety of the public. This year, we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with our congregation,” he added.
