Covid 19 coronavirus dampens Christmas joy in Bethlehem and worldwide
24 Dec, 2020 11:00 PM
6 minutes to read
Palestinian scout bands parade through Manger Square at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognised by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, on Christmas Eve in the West Bank. Photo / AP
Palestinian scout bands parade through Manger Square at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognised by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, on Christmas Eve in the West Bank. Photo / AP
AP
Bethlehem has ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
On Christmas Eve in Italy, church bells rang earlier than usual. The Italian government’s 10 p.m. curfew prompted pastors to move up services, with “Midnight” Mass starting Thursday evening in some churches as early as a couple hours after dark. Pope Francis, who has said people “must obey” civil authorities’ measures to fight the spread […]
Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy
Coronavirus has led to Christmas in 2020 taking on a different appearance around the world – from subdued scenes in Bethlehem to an early start to Midnight Mass.
A strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus in the West Bank with few worshippers on hand to see marching bands.
And the absence of the faithful was also seen in the Holy Land, where Christmas vigil Mass in St Peter’s Basilica was held at 7.30pm to ensure compliance with Italy’s 10pm curfew.
Midnight Mass started as early as a couple hours after dark in some churches, and Pope Francis, who has said people “must obey” civil authorities’ measures to fight the spread of Covid-19, fell in line.
Subdued scenes were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether.