The tolling of bells and the biting chill have ushered in the Christmas magic. The air is filled with carols such as Jingle Bells, Joy to the World and Silver Bells to spread the message of Jesus Christ’s birth. The city is soaked in Yuletide spirit as the churches are on the last lap of preparations. On the eve of Christmas, Piyush Kumar Tripathi of The Telegraph highlights some of the prominent and oldest churches in the city, which would hold centre stage during
festivities
Padri Ki Haveli
Location: Khajekalan, Patna City
History: Padri Ki Haveli, considered the oldest church in Bihar, was built in 1713, when Roman Catholics entered Bihar. This church was re-designed by a Venetian architect Tirreto in 1772. During the mutiny against British in 1857, the church was destroyed over a dispute with British traders by Nawab Mir Kasim, who was the then ruler of Bengal. The church has a beautifully shaped bell called Maria, which was presented by Bahadur Shah, son of Nepal King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Mother Teresa also completed three months of basic nursing training from Holy Family Hospital here, which was built by Medical Missionary Sisters of USA in 1939
Xmas preparations: Decorative lights have been put up and the Christmas crib is being prepared
Midnight Mass timing: 11.30pm
Christmas Day service: 8am
St Stephen's Catholic Church
Location: Danapur cantonment area
History: It was constructed by Italian priests and opened in 1854 but its wall was damaged in the earthquake of 1934. The most important feature of St Stephen's Church is the baptismal font made of wood (a baptismal font is an article of church furniture or a fixture used for the baptism, mostly of small children but even older children, teenagers and adults). Every section of this church bears the cross symbol. During the First War of Independence in 1857, some sisters, along with their children, took shelter in the church to save their lives. They stayed in the church till August 1857
Xmas preparations: Already adorned with lights. Christmas crib getting ready
Midnight Mass timing: 10.30pm to 12.30am
Christmas Day service: Morning prayer service at 8am
St Luke's Church, Danapur
Location: Danapur cantonment area
History: Spread across an acre, the construction of St Luke's Church began in April 1827 under the supervision of Capt Thompson of the East India Company and was completed in 1830. During the 1857 rebellion, several barracks were built around this church to provide shelter to soldiers. These are dedicated to commemorate the memory of Late AS Bechar, who died during the mutiny on October 9, 1857. This church is popularly known for its carvings on wooden sheets
Xmas preparations: Dazzling with decorative lights and the Christmas crib almost ready
Midnight Mass timing: Midnight mass is not held here as church is looked after by Bihar Regimental Centre. Entry of civilians at night is not allowed
Christmas Day service: Morning prayer service from 8am. Christmas cakes would also be distributed
Queen of Apostles Church
Location: Kurji, in front of St Michael's High School
History: It was inaugurated on May 31, 2009, after the old church was razed, as it could not accommodate all parish residents. The origin and development of the Catholic church is associated with the founding of St Michael's High School. It was in 1890 when the Church, named Sacred Heart Church began as a chapel for the school within its campus with a priest's residence attached to it. The work on building the new and bigger church at the present site started in 1975. Two years later, the church was blessed and renamed, and became an independent parish with a new name, Queen of the Apostle Church, Kurji
Xmas preparations: Decorative lights have been put up and the Christmas crib is ready. The ground for the midnight mass in front of the church is being levelled and the parking area is being cleaned
Midnight Mass timing: Carol at 10.30pm and midnight mass from 11pm
Christmas Day service: Morning prayer service at 7am and 8.30am
St Joseph's Pro Cathedral
Location: Bankipore, on the premises of St Joseph's Convent High School
History: On September 23, 1849, a stone of a chapel was laid at Bankipore by Bishop A Hartmann. In 1871, the chapel was extended by a few feet to make it sufficiently large for congregations. Even in 1921, when the diocese of Patna was recognised, the only church at Bankipore was the 20ftx50ft chapel. The current cathedral came up in 1927 when the number of Catholics increased
Xmas preparations: The church is undergoing renovation work. Decorative lights have already been put on the church building. Christmas crib is being prepared
Midnight Mass timing: 11.30pm
Christmas Day service: Morning prayer service from 8am
Christ Church, Bankipore (Protestant church)
Location: On the premises of Christ Church Diocesan School, Kargil Chowk, northeast Gandhi Maidan
History: It was founded by Church of North India. It was established in 1852. It has been associated with the Church of England in India
Xmas preparations: Decorative lights have been put up
Midnight Mass timing: Midnight mass is not held here but it is held at St Thomas Church, Gardanibagh, between 5pm and 8pm
Christmas Day service: From 10am
Timing for midnight Mass service at other churches/chapels
Holy Family Hospital: 9pm
Sacred Heart Church, New Patliputra: 11pm
Notre Dame Academy: 11pm
XTTI: 11.30pm
IGIMS: 11pm
St Mary’s Academy, Ashiana Nagar: 10.30pm
