Dual Celebration: Christmas and Holy Family Feast in Taiwan

The dual celebration of Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family gave Assumption Catholic Church in Keelung a special moment of jubilation. For the faithful of the Assumption Church community, this year marked an exceptional and colorful atmosphere. The church was adorned with incredible Christmas decorations, and active carol singing filled the air. Our young children carried the Child Jesus into the midst of the people during the Eucharistic entrance procession, instilling in us a spiritual experience reminiscent of the events 2,000 years ago in the manger of Bethlehem, while the choir sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of good will on Earth." Our joy at Christmas was doubled by the baptism of four new members, three children and one adult.

A few days later, on December 29, 2024, we also held a solemn celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family. During this festive Eucharistic celebration, we organized a special event for the renewal of wedding vows for 18 couples who had completed 10 to 60 years of marital commitment. They all joyfully came forward to renew their marital union before the altar of the Lord. The church also issued certificates of blessing to all 18 couples. After the liturgical celebration, we enjoyed a variety of cultural programs, including an orchestra performance by our children and youth, children's dances, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations, karaoke singing, and a fellowship meal. Thus, the combined celebration of Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family created a truly festive mood.

[Credits from Fr. Liju Kuriath CMF,

Pastor, Assumption Church]