While Mumbai's iconic Mount Mary Church in Bandra gets plenty of attention during Christmas, other churches in the city hold equally rich histories and traditions. Here's a look at three lesser-known churches where thousands gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
St. Peter's Church, Bandra
- Established in the 1840s, this church offers a serene escape from the bustling Hill Road.
- Midnight masses are held outdoors to accommodate over 3,000 attendees.
- Preparations begin a month before Christmas, with a special wreath featuring four purple candles for Advent and one pink candle for joy.
- The church provides Christmas hampers to families in need.
- Unique tradition: Celebrating St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, on December 6th.
I C Church, Borivali
- Vibrant and festive atmosphere, with streets adorned with fairy lights.
- Unique Christmas tree made from 1,500 plastic bottles, symbolizing faith and environmental consciousness.
- Significant ritual: The offering of bread and wine, representing the body and blood of Christ, brought from Bishops at St. Pius College, Goregaon.
Francis Xavier's Catholic Church, Vile Parle
- Founded almost 90 years ago, this church is set to become a heritage site.
- Features a magnificent garden with statues of Jesus and Mary.
- Houses a small orphanage established by Mother Teresa, still operational.
- Unique tradition: A procession reenacting the arrival of baby Jesus.
- Emphasis on crib-making, with themes ranging from current events to space missions.
Common Christmas Traditions Across Mumbai's Churches
- Liturgical masses
- Carol singing
- Crib-making
- Distribution of vouchers to families in need
- Midnight masses attended by thousands
- Joyous gatherings and home visits
These hidden gems showcase Mumbai's diverse Christmas celebrations, testaments to faith, history, and community.