You know it’s the Yuletide spirit when there’s a nip in the air and bells ring out from some of the oldest churches in the region. Christmas carols like “Jingle Bells”, “Joy to the World” and “Silver Bells” echo from all around, heralding the message of Christ’s birth. The city’s churches are adorned with decorative lights and Christmas cribs are ready too. Piyush Kumar Tripathi highlights some prominent and oldest churches in the city, that hold centre stage during the festivities
PADRI KI HAVELI
Location: Khajekalan, Patna City
Brief history: Padri Ki Haveli, also known as St Mary’s Church, is considered the oldest church in Bihar. It was built in 1713 when Roman Catholics arrived in Bihar. Later, in 1772, Tirreto, a Venetian architect, redesigned it. During the First War of Independence in 1857, then Bengal ruler Nawab Mir Qasim destroyed the church following a dispute with British traders.
The church has a beautifully shaped bell, “Maria”, presented to it by Bahadur Shah, son of Nepal King Prithvi Narayan. Also, Mother Teresa completed her three-month basic training in nursing from the Holy Family Hospital here, built by Medical Missionary Sisters of USA in 1939.
Christmas Day Service: Morning prayer service at 7am
ST STEPHEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Location: Danapur cantonment area
Brief history: Italian priests built the St Stephen’s Church, which opened is 1854, but its wall was badly damaged in the 1930 earthquake. The most important feature of St Stephen’s Church is the baptismal font (used for baptism) made of wood. Every section of this church bears the cross symbol. Sisters of St Joseph and children took shelter here during the First War of Independence in 1857.
Christmas Day Service: Morning prayer service at 8am
QUEEN OF APOSTLES CHURCH
Location: Kurji, in front of St. Michael’s High School
Brief history: Queen of Apostles Church was inaugurated on May 31, 2009, after the old church was razed to the ground, as it could not accommodate all parish residents. Its origin and development are linked to 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. Work on building a new and bigger church began in 1975. In 1977, the church was blessed and became an independent parish with a new name, Queen of the Apostles Church, Kurji
Christmas Day Service: Morning prayer services at 7am and 8.30am
ST JOSEPH’S PRO CATHEDRAL
Location: Bankipore, inside the St Joseph’s Convent High School premises
Brief history: Bishop A Hartmann laid the chapel’s foundation stone at Bankipore. Later, in 1871, the chapel’s size was increased to enable holding of congregations. Even in 1921, when the diocese of Patna was recognised, the only church at Bankipore had a 20ftx50ft chapel. The present cathedral came up in 1927 when the number of Catholics increased
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 of Gandhi Maidan
Brief history: The Church of North India founded it. It was established in 1852. It has been associated with Church of England in India
Christmas Day Service: From 10am
ST LUKE’S CHURCH, DANAPUR
Location: Danapur cantonment area
Brief history: The construction of St Luke’s church began in April 1827, under the supervision of Captain I Thompson of British East India Company, and it was completed in 1830. During the 1857 rebellion, several barracks were built around this church to shelter soldiers. These are dedicated to the memory of A.S. Bechar, who died during the mutiny.
Christmas Day Service: Morning prayer service from 9am
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BEFORE YOU STEP OUT
Here’s what you must account for first:
Weather watch:
Xmas is likely to be warm. Day temperature could be in the range of 22-24 degrees Celsius. Revellers are however, cautioned to keep their woollens on when they visit churches in the morning (min temperature to be around 9 degree Celsius. Fog unlikely, but the day might be windy.
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WHAT THE FESTIVAL MEANS TO...
William D’ Souza, SJ
Archbishop of Patna
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of a child who would change the destiny of humans forever. It is the
celebration of the unconditional love of a gracious and generous God who holds nothing back but gives his
very self... Let us limit our celebrations by spending more on Chennai flood victims
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Fr Johnson Kelakath SJ
Parish Priest at Queen of Apostle Church, Kurji
On Christmas, we remember that pious day Jesus Christ was born. On his birth, angels sang praises for God
and gave the message of peace and prosperity. Today, people are plagued by a non-forgiving attitude, but Christ reflected the mercy and kindness of God.
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Sanjay Joseph
Teacher, St Michael’s High School
We would go for midnight mass tonight. Tomorrow, we would be busy whole day meeting relatives, and friends even from other religions. Our family has resolved to spend the week with the less fortunate and make their lives happy
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Abhishek Pattrick
Assistant director, Jesus and Mary Academy, Patna City
Christmas is the time for family reunion for most Christians in Bihar. Even in our family, people have come from abroad to celebrate Christmas together