The Spirit of Christmas

 Hark now hear the angels sing,

 A new king born today

That man will live forever more,

Because of Christmas day

The Catholic Church of the Assumption glowed on Christmas Eve, with it the mood of all those present in to celebrate the Nativity of Christ. In the background, Christmas carols flowed in filling the silences in between the sermons with hope, joy and bliss.

Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ

Was born on Christmas day

The Christmas Eve Mass at the Catholic Church of the Assumption was a merrily busy evening with over 2,000 devotees gathered to celebrate. “The Church is," said Father Silas Bogati, “continuing the tradition that was began from St. Xavier School more than half a century ago.” In the sea of the devotees, to the right of the pulpit sat Gyan Prakash Rai, with his entire family, listening intently as Father Silas Bogati gave his sermon.   

Hark now hear the angels sing,

A new king born today

That man will live forever more,

Because of Christmas day

Gyan Prakash Rai and his family has been celebrating Christmas from as long as they can remember. “The best part of this festival, or any other festival,” he says, “is that it brings all of us, our extended family, our friends closer.” Rai and his family has been throwing a humble lunch gathering every year. “Our festivities start on the Eve,” he says. “All of our family make a point to visit the church that day and volunteer for what needs to be done. We share the tasks and take active part in the service at the Mass.”    

Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ

Was born on Christmas day

“Next day is a fun filled family day,” chips in Suzata Rai, his wife, in between making sure all of the guests are fully attended. “And, isn’t that the spirit of the festival all about,” she asks, “to celebrate it with your near and dear ones?”  

On May 23, 2009, The Catholic Church of the Assumption was bombed by a Nepalese woman linked to a Hindu extremist group, Nepal Defense Army (NDA) leaving two dead and 14 injured, mostly young church goers. There are nearly 7,000 Catholics in Nepal and estimated to be about 300 churches in Kathmandu.
 

~ Text by Mudita Bajracharya and photography by Rishi Amatya with the exception of photos 1 and 2 (by Mudita).