Bishop Theodore chooses a remote village to celebrate Christmas Day Mass

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, the Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi and the Apostolic Administrator of Daltonganj Bishop Theodore celebrated the Christmas day Mass at Siris, a remote village in the Manika block of Jharkhand. There is a small Christian Catholic community in this remote village about  fifty kilometres Daltonganj. The village is badly connected to the main road. An overjoyed community welcomed their Shepherd with song and dance, flowers and garlands.

In his homily he expressed his joy in meeting the faithful and he also encouraged the small number of faithful to stand firm in the love of God. He told the flock that Jesus came into the world in a small place, was born away from home and identified himself with the weakest and the poorest.
 Earlier he celebrated the Chirstmas midnight vigil  mass in the Shanti Ki Rani Cathedral, Daltonganj. During the sermon he highlighted the importance and the6 meaning of Christmas. He said that the material possessions like mobile phones, expensive clothes, and other gadgets may not bring real happiness. But the real and lasting happiness comes when we make baby Jesus come into our hearts and in our life. The cathedral was packed to full capacity and a large number of people had to be accommodated in the Shamiana outside.

Fr. Maurice Kujur the Parish Priest. Frs. Pradeep Back a. Suman Minj, Michael Kujur, Fr. Arvind Munda and Fr. Amit Xaxa concelebrated. A number of religious sisters also participate in the Mass which was followed by snacks, cake and coffee.
Report by Anmol Bara OFM