Mysore/Mysuru, Dec. 25 -- Bishop Francis Serrao SJ leads rituals at St. Philomena's Church

Special prayers were offered at Churches across the city to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated worldwide as Christmas, last midnight.

More than 40 Churches, particularly St. Philomena's Church on Ashoka Road in Lashkar Mohalla, wore a festive look as a huge congregation of Christians gathered to participate in 'Bali Puja' and other traditional rituals associated with the festival.

Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Mysuru, placed the idol of the Infant Jesus in a specially prepared crib in the Church premises at around 11.30 pm amid the rendition of Carols by singing troupes. The event was witnessed by thousands of devotees.

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