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In Vatican City, the faithful of Chicago hold Christmas Eve services as a cherished part of their holiday traditions.
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The youth choir at Fourth Presbyterian Church brings the story of Christmas Eve to life through song.
“My daughter has been part of the choir here since she was three,” shared Justin Epps. “It’s a significant part of our Christmas celebration.”
Dressed in festive attire, young members of the congregation participated in this year’s Christmas Eve Pageant, aiming to convey the true essence of the holiday at the historic church on the Magnificent Mile.
The Christian community in Chicago gathered to celebrate and honor the birth of Jesus Christ with joy and reverence.
“It’s truly a night where we move from darkness into total light, where the candles are lit and pass from one person to another. And the symbolism of that, it’s hard not to get caught up in the sort of contagious joy of being here, young and old,” Senior Pastor Camille Cook Howe said.
Chicago-born Pope Leo, presiding over his first midnight mass at the Vatican.
The Pope’s message this Christmas season: a plea for peace.
“To see him as a leader coming from the same streets of Chicago up to the Church of Saint Peter is a is a humbling reality that God is working in our midst,” Holy Name Cathedral Father Andy Matijevic.
Chicago parishioners at Holy Name Cathedral shared their prayers and pride home-grown Pope.
“I’m so happy and elated that we finally have an American pope from Chicago. So I’m so excited,” Victoria Villarreal said.
Cardinal Blase Cupich will preside over midnight Mass. Attendees have to be pre-registered and can get inside an hour earlier.
Christmas carols start at 11:30 p.m.
The service can be viewed live on the Archdiocese of Chicago’s YouTube channel.
