Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail Celebrates Christmas with Profound Spiritual Fervor Back

Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail Celebrates Christmas with Profound Spiritual Fervor

Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ is a testament of God's love, hope and salvation, revealing the message of peace, giving and family unity; a time for gratitude and reflection. 

On Christmas Eve 2025, the faithful of Derebail Parish gathered on the church grounds at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. The ceremony began with a soulful rendition of carols by the senior, youth, and children’s choir. Their collective voices served as a symbolic welcome for the birth of Christ, preparing the liturgy to follow.

The Holy Eucharist commenced at 7.00 p.m., celebrated by Rev. Fr Steevan Nelson Peris, Assistant Parish Priest and concelebrated by Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Parish Priest.

  As the festive atmosphere deepened, the liturgy transitioned into the singing of the Gloria. During this solemn moment, the Crib was blessed and the White Christ Candle was lit, signifying the arrival of Christ, His divine purity and the new beginning He brings to the world.

In his homily, Rev. Fr Joseph Martis emphasized three core pillars for the Christmas season. Drawing from the First Reading in the Book of Isaiah, he first spoke on the vocation of joy, noting that Christmas is a jubilant festival centered on the birth of Jesus. He highlighted that Christmas is a feast of giving and sharing. Using the imagery of the crib, he illustrated that our lives should resemble the Sea of Galilee that thrives by constantly flowing and giving rather than the Dead Sea. Finally, he spoke of Christmas as a time to foster peace and harmony, calling for reconciliation within oneself and the wider community. Concluding with a call to action, Fr Martis urged the faithful to embody these values in every possible way through their thoughts, words, and deeds.

The soulful singing by the children’s choir for the mass deepened the sense of devotion throughout and added to the festivity.  The liturgy concluded by revering the statue of baby Jesus. On this occasion, Mrs. Sheela D’Souza and Mr. Denzil Pinto, President and Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Parishad and Mr. Anil Patrao, Coordinator of 21 Commissions were felicitated for their selfless service.

The evening culminated with a vibrant Live Crib presentation, organized through the collaborative efforts of the Youth CLC, YCS, Legion of Mary, and the Altar Boys Sodality. The festive spirit was further brightened by a visit from Santa Claus and the community shared in a time of fellowship over refreshments.

Report by: Portia Goretti Furtado
Pictures: Roshan Fernandes