Many celebrations were held at the churches during the last week of Advent, the week before Christmas.
At St. Thomas English Church in San Thome High Road a campfire was organised on Dec.18.
This is an annual event where in during the last Sunday before Christmas we have a family get together and fellowship, says Pastor Devaputhiram.
The members of this parish sit around a big campfire and sing carol in English and other regional languages, he added.
This was followed by dinner.
At the Lady of Guidance Church, R. A. Puram a special celebration was held for the elders of that parish on Sunday.
It was called Elder’s Day and senior citizens who were not able to walk were brought to church by cars. A special Holy Mass was organised for them, says Fr. Ambrose, Parish Priest.
About 50 elders who were not able to come to the church attended the special service.
Confession was heard and special adoration was held. They later had tea party.
On Dec.18, carol singing contest was held among the different pious groups at the Shrine of Our Lady of Light, Luz.
About 15 teams participated in this contest. The nuns from the St. Isabel’s Hospital also took part in this contest.
The parish priest of this parish Fr. L. C. Rayanna celebrated his 43rd ordination day on the same day.
Madras Christian Federation, located at Rosary Church Road had organised a small get together for the underprivileged people of the San Thome and Mylapore area last weekend.
Rev. Dr. A. M. Chinnappa, Archbishop of Madras – Mylapore presided over the event.
The theme was sharing the joy of Christmas for the poor and needs, says M. S. Thamba, President of the federation.
About 250 poor people from Nochikuppam, Dooming kuppam, Dhidirnagar were given lunch, cakes, saris and dhotis, he added.
We also had with us Sally Abraham, MD, ABAN Group of Companies, K. S. G. A. Nasser, Principal, Govt. Dental College and Hospital and V. G. Santhosam, Chairman, VGP Group of Companies as our special guest.
This federation is run by group of 8 members who are residents of San Thome.
At Our Lady of Visitation Church, St. Mary’s Road, councillor of Ward 123, P. Jansirani was the chief guest for the Christmas celebration held on Dec.16.
This was organised by the pious associations of this church. Children sang carols and entertained the crowd.
On Dec.17 the Patali Makkal Kachi (PMK) has a special Christmas celebration at the Corp. Community hall in C. P. Ramaswamy Road.
A large crib was set up at the entrance. Many groups sang carols and gave dance performances.
The party’s chairman Ramadass and General Sectary G. K. Mani were present on the occasion. A cake cutting ceremony was also held on the occasion.
Bishops and other religious leaders were also present.
