On the joyous occasion of the Birth of Jesus Christ 2025, St Ann Catholic Church, Wadi, in collaboration with the Churches of Shahabad, Chittapur, Sedam, the Methodist Church, Wadi, and the Independent Church, Wadi, organised a Prayerful and Peaceful Christmas Procession on 21 December 2025. The event was held as part of the Inter-Denominational Christmas Celebration 2025 and marked the Closing of the Jubilee Year 2025, under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope – Closing of the Jubilee Year.”
The prayerful procession began at the Methodist Church, Wadi, where the faithful gathered in large numbers. Pastor Sathish Ravi Kumar of the Methodist Church warmly welcomed the gathering, and Fr Joseph Praveen, Dean of Gulbarga Deanery, invoked God’s blessings over the procession with a prayer and the proclamation from the Gospel (Luke 1:46–55), the Magnificat—Song of Hope.
Led by Fr Vincent Pereira, Parish Priest of Queen of Heaven Church, Chittapur, the procession moved reverently towards St Ambrose High School, Wadi. Carrying flags, the cross, and the tableau of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and singing hymns and carols, children, women, religious sisters, men, priests, and pastors walked together as a powerful public witness of Christian unity, peace, and hope.
The main celebration was held at the Upper Hall of St Ambrose High School, Wadi. The programme featured prayer songs, a theme dance “Bharavaseya Yathrikaru (Pilgrims of Hope)” by children from Chittapur, a Christmas play, and a welcome dance by St Ambrose School students.
The formal session included the lighting of the lamp before the Cross by Most Rev. Dr Robert Miranda, Ps. Sudheer Ravi Kumar (Methodist Church), Sr Gracy (Superior, St Ambrose Convent), Mr Anand Boin (Vice President, PPC, Wadi), Ps Christopher, Ps George and Ps Anand. The Jubilee Prayer was led by Fr Gerald Sagar, followed by the Christmas cake cutting.
The Liturgy of the Word highlighted the Jubilee spirit with reflections centred on hope, justice, peace, and care for the poor and widows. Reflections were offered by Ps. George, Ps Christopher and Ps. Sudeer, drawing from the Gospels of Matthew, John, and Luke. The Christmas Message was delivered by Bishop Robert Miranda, who called upon the faithful to live as true pilgrims of hope through unity, compassion, and service.
A special Jubilee Act of Charity was carried out through the distribution of gifts to selected widows, expressing the Church’s concrete concern for the vulnerable. Cultural performances, skits on “Hope for the Widows,” and joint Christmas carols by all Churches further strengthened the spirit of fellowship and harmony.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the organising committee, followed by snacks and fellowship. Fr Roshan D’Souza, Parish Priest of St Ann Church, Wadi, served as the overall coordinator of this meaningful inter-denominational initiative, which stood as a strong message of unity, peace, and shared Christian witness to society.
