KARACHI, Dec 23: Mid-night masses are to be held in churches across the city on to mark the formal start of Christmas celebrations.

The central congregation of Protestants is being organised at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the carol singing by candlelight will begin at 10pm on Sunday. The Holy Communion in English led by Bishop Sadiq Daniel will begin at 10.30pm. The Holy Communion in Urdu will be held at 11.45pm.

The central congregation of the bilingual mid-night mass of the Roman Catholics will be held at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral at midnight. Archbishop Evarist Pinto and Fr Joe D’ Mello will lead the mass, beginning at 11.30pm.

On the Christmas Day, Monday, four masses (at 7am, 8.30am, 10am and 4.45pm) will be held at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral while two masses (at 9.30am in English and 11am in Urdu) will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

The festivities are at peak in and around churches, as well as the Christian-dominated localities like Essa Nagri, Pahar Ganj and Saddar, with jubilant Christians exchanging greetings to each other and preparing for their most important religious festival.

TV and radio channels will air special programmes on the occasion.

A huge ‘David Star’ has been placed at Essa Nagri lights of which were turned on by Rev Father Samson at a ceremony.

A function was organised by the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance to distribute gifts among deserving widows and other community members.