A bustling Christmas night

Parishioners of Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward) participate in Christmas Mass. Photo: Van Truyen

Accordingly, from 8 PM to 9 PM, Catholic churches throughout the province began holding Christmas Eve Masses. After attending Mass at the church, parishioners participated in recreational activities in the parish grounds, visited entertainment venues, and returned home to celebrate the holiday with their families. Prior to that, from 6 PM onwards, the Christmas atmosphere at the churches had already begun with children's Masses.

The choir of Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward) sings hymns during the Christmas Mass. Photo: Van Truyen

At Bac Hai Parish (Nguyen Ai Quoc Street, Long Binh Ward), the Christmas atmosphere is vibrant from every parishioner's family and neighborhood to the parish itself. Mr. Ha Huy Tuan, Deputy Head of the Parish Council of Bac Hai Parish, said: "From the beginning of December, people have started decorating their homes and the streets in the residential area to celebrate the birth of Christ. At the same time, many activities to help those in difficult circumstances are being carried out. The parish donated 200 gift packages (each containing 20kg of rice and 200,000 VND in cash) to those in need. In addition, parish organizations also provide support to disadvantaged and homeless people in the locality."

People taking photos at Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Similarly, at Thuan Loi Parish (Thuan Loi Commune), the atmosphere celebrating Christmas this year is vibrant and warm. Mr. Nguyen Van Tu, Chairman of the Parish Council of Thuan Loi Parish, said: The parish is home to more than 500 parishioners. This year, the clergy, officials, and parishioners are very happy to welcome a delegation of provincial leaders who visited and offered congratulations right before Christmas. They also received information from the provincial leaders about the province's socio -economic situation; development plans to create jobs for the people and provide better access to education for their children… This information is a source of joy for everyone, including the parishioners, during the Christmas season.

People taking photos at Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Similarly, according to Father Nguyen Minh Chanh, parish priest of An Khuong Parish (Tan Hung commune), this year more than 900 parishioners celebrated Christmas with much joy. Besides that, the parish and its parishioners did not forget to show concern for those in difficult circumstances. Therefore, during this year's Christmas celebration, the parish organized a loving meal for the elderly, disabled, and local children. The elderly and disabled also received additional food gifts. Children received a new set of clothes.

People taking photos at Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Along with her group of friends, Nguyen Thuy Van, a parishioner of Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien Ward), attended Mass and had fun. She said: "We all tried to arrive earlier than the Mass time to take souvenir photos and participate in the activities organized at the parish."

Many families brought their children to celebrate Christmas at Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Alongside this, nearly 84,000 Protestant believers joyfully celebrated Christmas. According to the pastors of the Protestant churches in the province, the spirit of celebrating the birth of Christ was always full in each believer. To share this joy, believers also donated gifts to the poor and those in difficult circumstances in the community.