Mangalore : Christians believe that on the Christmas Eve, the night of Dec 24, is extremely significant since Jesus is said to have been born at midnight.

The Christmas ceremony usually commences at churches with the mass timings to 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. to ensure the protection of the people attending the mass.

The devotees exhibited exemplary discipline, without any rush or jostling around.

The bells rang and carols were sung in various parishes across Mangalore Diocese. The entire city looked splendid with miniature lights and twinkling stars.

Adorned Christmas trees were placed at significant spots, adding to the charm of Christmas. A wide range of cribs, some of them live, illustrated the birth of the Savior.

Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza concelebrated the Mass at 10:00 p.m. at Rosario Cathedral. In his address, he said that Jesus Christ was created by God and that he incarnated as a poor human being in order to be among the people and teach them the essence of love, harmony, and peace.