Christmas in Mumbai's Off-the-Beaten-Path Churches

While Mumbai's iconic Mount Mary Church in Bandra gets plenty of attention during Christmas, other churches in the city hold equally rich histories and traditions. Here's a look at three lesser-known churches where thousands gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

St. Peter's Church, Bandra

• Established in the 1840s, this church offers a serene escape from the bustling Hill Road.
• Midnight masses are held outdoors to accommodate over 3,000 attendees.
• Preparations begin a month before Christmas, with a special wreath featuring four purple candles for Advent and one pink candle for joy.
• The church provides Christmas hampers to families in need.
• Unique tradition: Celebrating St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, on December 6th.

I C Church, Borivali

• Vibrant and festive atmosphere, with streets adorned with fairy lights.
• Unique Christmas tree made from 1,500 plastic bottles, symbolizing faith and environmental consciousness.
• Significant ritual: The offering of bread and wine, representing the body and blood of Christ, brought from Bishops at St. Pius College, Goregaon.

Francis Xavier's Catholic Church, Vile Parle

• Founded almost 90 years ago, this church is set to become a heritage site.
• Features a magnificent garden with statues of Jesus and Mary.
• Houses a small orphanage established by Mother Teresa, still operational.
• Unique tradition: A procession reenacting the arrival of baby Jesus.
• Emphasis on crib-making, with themes ranging from current events to space missions.

Common Christmas Traditions Across Mumbai's Churches

• Liturgical masses
• Carol singing
• Crib-making
• Distribution of vouchers to families in need
• Midnight masses attended by thousands
• Joyous gatherings and home visits
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These hidden gems showcase Mumbai's diverse Christmas celebrations, testaments to faith, history, and community.