Midnight Christmas on board cruise liner from Kochi

ON BOARD AQUAMARINE VESSEL - It was a unique experience not only for the priest but for Christian mariners on board the Aquamarine ship on its way to Maldives.

The mass was conducted in its proper way by a catholic Priest Fr. Justin K. at one of ships Lounge specially set by the cruise staff for this purpose.

It took around an hour for the priest to conclude and provide the cruisers and seafarers to have a glimpse of their traditional ritual, which they though could never happen because of their scheduled travel arranged during this time of the year.

Some of the Christian devotees who had missed earlier had a rare chance to share their happiness through prayers and devotion showed by the mariners.

A three-member team including a priest and two musicians were called on board to conduct the mass on the occasion.

Though the attendees were less in numbers but for the priest it was a life long remembrance as he had never done such a thing in his life for which he was first Little hesitant but finally resorted to the request by the cruise director.

Throughout the years, Midnight Mass has been a popular Christmas Mass choice for many Catholics across the world.

In the early history of the Church, vigils were held before every feast for the purpose of preparing for the feast itself. Mass would be held in the evening, followed by a period of prayer and contemplation. Solemn services were then held the next morning. By Juhan Samuel (ANI)