"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other's burdens, and easing loads truly reflects the magic of Christmas," Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, reminded the faithful during this year's celebrations. True to this spirit, His Eminence continued his tradition of celebrating Christmas with marginalized communities, offering them not just gifts but a share in the Light of Christ.
In previous years, Cardinal Gracias has celebrated Christmas with tribal communities, slum dwellers affected by a devastating fire, rag pickers, migrant workers, and members of the Dalit community. This year, he chose to celebrate with migrant families from across the Archdiocese of Bombay.
The event, organized by the Archdiocese’s Migrant Commission, brought together over 100 participants representing 18 of the commission's 38 units. Each unit selected two families to join the festivities. The two-hour program included prayer, games, music, and refreshments. A highlight of the gathering was the symbolic cutting of a birthday cake by His Eminence, which was shared among all present.
Cardinal Gracias also delighted the children by joining in their games and presented each family with a hamper of goodies and a cash gift. His warm presence and thoughtful gestures left participants with hearts full of joy and gratitude.
Reflecting on the significance of such moments, the Cardinal emphasized that "Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate by spreading the Light of Christ to the less fortunate." His actions echoed the timeless words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... every time you smile at your brother or sister and offer them your hand.”
As the families returned home, their smiles and joy bore witness to the power of love and solidarity, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.
Fr. Nigel Barrett Spokesperson Archdiocese of Bombay