Midnight mass marks the start of Christmas festivities in Madurai

Madurai residents embraced the festive spirit as Christmas eve celebrations unfolded across the city on Wednesday night. Iconic churches were transformed with vibrant illumination, shimmering ornaments, and elaborate nativity displays.

A large number of devotees gathered at major cathedrals and churches for the traditional midnight mass to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

At the historic St. Mary’s Cathedral on East Veli Street — a 177-year-old architectural marvel — a meticulously crafted nativity scene became the centre of attraction, drawing massive crowds of visitors and devotees alike.

Archbishop of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madurai Rev. Antonysamy Savarimuthu arrived at 11.55 p.m. and conducted midnight mass at the church, after which the blessed sacrament of bread and wine were served to devotees.

Other prominent landmarks, such as the Holy Evangelist Church near Periyar Bus Stand, Lourdes Shrine at K. Pudur, St. Paul’s Church at Bastin Nagar, Rosary Church on Town Hall Road, Annai Velankanni Church at Anna Nagar, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church at Anjal Nagar and St. Joseph’s Church at Gnanaolivupuram, also marked the birth of Christ with deep spiritual devotion.

The CSI Cathedral at Narimedu was elegantly adorned, featuring a traditional manger display alongside other classic Christmas symbols.