Mysuru:  Christmas is the month where a joyous atmosphere prevails  and every year, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm by everyone irrespective of caste or religion, said Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. K.A. William.

Addressing a press conference at the Bishop House on Mother Teresa Road here yesterday on Christmas and New Year messages, he said that it was 2018 years ago that Jesus Christ was to born to Mother Mary and the whole world rejoiced the birth of Christ who brought forth joy, peace, unity and love.

“As believers in the faith, the message of Jesus is what we all try to spread. Winter is the coldest season in the year and this is the time when most prefer to remain indoors. But Jesus through his selfless service came to the aid of the poor, infirm and downtrodden and thought us to respect all of them and live in harmony,” he said.

He said that Midnight Mass and special prayers will be held at St. Philomena’s and other churches in the city.

St. Philomena’s restoration work: Reacting to a question on the completion of the restoration work of St. Philomena’s Church, the Bishop said that the work on one of the towers or spires is completed, while the other will take another two to three months as it is very delicate work.

The work was taken up by the Archaeological Department with a grant of Rs.5 crore from the State Government. A sum of Rs.2.05 crore was released in 2013 and another Rs.2.20 crore in 2015 directly to the Department, he said.

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