Be a Blessing: Christmas: A time of Happiness

Christmas is a season of joy, happiness and peace. So this is a great reason for all of us to celebrate Christmas, wherever we are. The celebrations of Christmas have so many specialties, when it is in the Eternal City. Each street is lighted with colourful lights, shops decorated with red flowers and green leaves. Therefore Christmas season is a great time for anyone to visit Rome and be part of the religious and cultural activities. Many organizations and associations have begun with their Christmas celebrations. One of the earliest Christmas celebrations in the city is organized by the Indian PriestsSisters Brothers Union (IPSBU), which has more 1400 members. His Ex. GeorgeCardinal Pell, the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, presided over the meeting and delivered the Christmas message. The meeting was vibrant with cultural shows from different parts of India, performed by priests, religious and seminarians.

Christmas Trees at Vatican and Colosseum

The Eternal city is filled with different spiritual preparations. On 05^th Dec 2014, the Christmas Tree is installed at Vatican. It is a symbolic beginning for the Christmas celebration in the Eternal City. Every year, the tree is brought from different parts of Europe. This year, the tree is brought from South Italy. The midnight Eucharistic celebration on 24^th Dec is an occasion for tens of thousands of faithful to celebrate the birth of Jesus with Pope. The ‘Urbi et Orbi’( the "Apostolic Blessing”) to Rome, which is meant for the whole world, at noon (12.00) on 25^th is another unique experience for the Catholics.

Inauguration of the IPSBU Christmas Celebration

The famous places to be visited during the Christmas season are: Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Crib, Christmas market at the Pizza Navona, Nativity Scene displayed at the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, Santo Bambino in the Church of Santa Maria Aracoeli, lights, ice skating and Roasting Chestnuts at CastelSant'Angelo, Christmas trees of Piazza Venezia and Colosseum. So it is a time of spiritual preparation, joy, happiness, celebrations, meeting friends and different get-togethers. Yes, of course, a time for shopping too.