Stars & cribs bring message of love & hope in Bengaluru

Bengaluru's churches are indeed remarkable landmarks that offer a serene contrast to the city's fast-paced environment. Some of the most notable ones include St. Mary's Basilica, known for its Gothic-style architecture, and St.

Mark's Cathedral, which boasts colonial-era design and a tranquil atmosphere. These churches not only serve as places of worship but also as historical sites that reflect the city's diverse cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking a moment of peace or an appreciation for architectural beauty, these churches provide a perfect escape.

Christmas is almost here and the churches in the city are abuzz with festivities. Stars are twinkling, adding a soft glow and warmth to century-old stone buildings and Jesus is reborn in cribs.St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Cleveland Town is getting into the Xmas spirit. Near the grotto, a crib is being made, depicting the Nativity scene. It features Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus in a manger, surrounded by angels, the three wise men, shepherds and animals. “The crib is set inside a tunnel-like passage, allowing visitors to walk through scenes of Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth and the birth of Jesus, followed by his crucifixion and the resurrection,” says Fr Christopher White, the parish priest.

The Roman Catholic church which serves as the cathedral of the Diocese of Bengaluru is adorned with stars, big and small. “The three wise men followed a star from the East to find baby Jesus in Bethlehem,” explains Fr White. The church has also launched an Xmas crib competition for parishioners. “Prizes will be awarded to those judged to have created the most creative and natural crib using materials like bamboo, straw, wood, clay and leaves for the stable,” said Fr White, adding, “We are also organizing a grand Xmas celebration with cultural programmes and carol songs.” Pilgrims of hope At Ascension Church in Banaswadi, assistant parish priest Fr Magi Maidas unveiled a crib themed Pilgrims of Hope, in line with the Catholic Church’s Year of Jubilee (a year set aside to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, to repent of their sins and forgive the sins of others). The crib features a boat-shaped structure symbolising the church’s journey of redemption. The crib’s centrepiece is a boat modelled on Noah’s Ark, depicting the Catholic church, complete with figures of clergy, families and pairs of animals, representing collective renewal. Embracing sustainability At St Patrick’s, one of the oldest churches in the city, the crib is being made using recycled and natural items including bamboo and plants. “We have made our best efforts to source things naturally and keep the crib plastic free,” said Dr Fr Joe Britto, assistant parish priest.Community Carol Singing in Cooke Town Park Returns The Yuletide Singers of Cooke Town will be back at the Milton Street Park at 6pm on Sunday, December 21, with the all-time favourite Christmas carols. In December of the early 2000s, a group of friends in the Cooke Town area – many of them well-known singers and musicians in Bengaluru – went carolling to the homes of the elderly and the terminally ill residents.

Over time, this gesture evolved into an annual event that the residents of Cooke Town looked forward to, for the community bonding and camaraderie through carol singing in the park. Everyone, including little children join in to belt out their favourite carols to the accompaniment of musical instruments. With news spreading, the event now draws people from all over Bengaluru. It is a one-hour programme that is open to all, and admission is free. Giant star that lights up Dharmaram There is a giant Xmas star at St Thomas Forane and Diocesan Pilgrim Centre that everyone is talking about. It is 18 feet tall and shines very brightly. “The star is special not just because it is big, but also because of the hard work and love that went into making it,” says Fr John Padinjarechakkalackal, assistant vicar.

The star was built by a group called Santhome Professional Forum (SPF). “The group is made up of young professionals and students.

Most of them live far away from their families and hometowns. For them, the church is like a second home,” he says. Fr John recalls that the star was built at night. “For one whole week, while most people were sleeping, members of the SPF stayed at the church until the early morning. Since they had to work or study during the day, they could only build the star at night.

They worked together to design, weld, and put the star together. It was hard work, but they did it with a smile,” he said, adding the project was supported by vicar Fr Anto Kanjirathinkal.

A 30-foot Santa Claus is also being made at the church. “The welded steel framework is taking shape, foam detailing has begun and motorised head movement is being prepared to bring the artwork to life,” said Fr John. 140-member choir practising for over six months The CSI East Parade Church on MG Road, built for British soldiers in 1865, is also in the midst of the festive spirit.

The church’s 140-member choir has been practising for the Xmas carol service and mass for the last six months.

“We’ve chosen the theme ‘I am He’ (Jesus declaring his divine identity as God and the promised Messiah), and the choir is presenting the songs entirely by memory without songbooks,” said Fr Jijo Abraham A, presbyter-in-charge, adding half of the members in the choir are children.VOICE BOXSt Mark's Cathedral is being decorated by the stewardship committee.

The traditional Christmas colours of red, green and gold are being used. The theme is floral, with poinsettias and berries being used predominantly.

The wreaths and panels on the columns, as well as some of the items on the Christmas tree, have been hand-crafted.Regina Sundara, MEMBER, STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE, ST MARK’S CATHEDRALOur Christmas crib draws countless pilgrims and visitors. The crib is a sacred invitation to encounter the mystery of the Incarnation. Its unique design reflects simplicity and humility.

Set within the prayerful atmosphere of the Basilica, the crib becomes a place of silent reflection, gratitude, and hope. People from various walks of life pause here, light candles, offer prayers, and experience peace in their hearts. Fr Arockiasamy Sebastian, PARISH PRIEST, ST MARY’S BASILICA, SHIVAJINAGARThe church’s choir, comprising 140 members, rendered more than ten newly introduced songs.

Significantly, the choir represents all age groups – from six to 80 years – bringing together three generations singing as one, symbolising unity, faith, and the shared joy of celebrating Xmas..Fr Jijo Abraham A, PRESBYTER IN CHARGE, CSI EAST PARADE CHURCH, MG ROAD Our Xmas star has a special light system inside that makes it glow beautifully. Word quickly spread about how pretty it looks, and now hundreds of people come to the church every evening to see it. Families come to take photos and enjoy the festivities together. What started as a small project by friends has now become something the whole city loves. The star was built by Santhome Professional Forum (SPF), a group of young IT professionals and students.

After finishing our long shifts at offices and attending classes, we gathered at the church every night.

We worked for an entire night, sacrificing sleep, to complete the star. From welding the metal frame to setting up the complex lighting, the team handled every task together. For us, Christmas is about togetherness. The 18-foot star is a reminder that when we have friends and a community, we are never truly alone. Sandra Maria Jacob, MEMBER, SPF AND PARISHIONER, ST THOMAS FORANE AND DIOCESAN PILGRIM CENTRE, DHARMARAM Carol singing symbolises the angels announcing Jesus’s birth.

Parishioners at the church gathered by area to sing hymns after house-to-house visits proved impractical for the congregation of 1,400 families. Fr Christopher White, PARISH PRIEST, ST FRANCIS XAVIER’S CATHEDRAL, CLEVELAND TOWN