A lively Christmas Eve

On the evening of December 24, more than 1.4 million Catholic and Protestant followers in Dong Nai Province joyfully awaited the arrival of Christmas 2025.

Parishioners of Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward) attend the Christmas Mass. Photo: Van Truyen

From 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., Catholic churches across the province began holding Christmas Eve Masses. After attending Mass, parishioners participated in festive activities on the parish grounds, visited entertainment areas, and then returned home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Earlier, from 6:00 p.m., the Christmas atmosphere had already begun at many churches with the Masses for children.

The choir of Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward) performs Christmas hymns during the Mass. Photo: Van Truyen

At Bac Hai Parish on Nguyen Ai Quoc Street in Long Binh Ward, the festive atmosphere of Christmas extended from individual Catholic households and neighborhoods to the entire parish. According to Ha Huy Tuan, Deputy Head of the Parish Pastoral Council of Bac Hai Parish, parishioners began decorating their homes and residential streets in early December to welcome the birth of Christ. At the same time, numerous charitable activities were undertaken to support those in need. Specifically, the parish distributed 200 gift packages, each including 20 kilograms of rice and 200,000 VND in cash, to people facing hardship. Additionally, parish groups provided support to disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals in the community.

Residents take photos at Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Similarly, at Thuan Loi Parish in Thuan Loi Commune, the Christmas celebration this year was warm and joyful. Chairman Nguyen Van Tu of the Parish Pastoral Council of Thuan Loi Parish reported that the parish is home to over 500 parishioners. This year, clergy, parish officials, and parishioners were especially pleased to welcome a provincial leadership delegation ahead of Christmas. The delegation extended Christmas greetings and shared information about the province’s socio-economic situation, as well as its development plans, including job creation and improved access to education for children. These updats brought great joy to residents in the locality, including Catholic parishioners, during the Christmas season.

Residents take photos at Bac Hai Parish (Long Binh Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Likewise, according to Priest Nguyen Minh Chanh, Parish Priest of An Khuong Parish in Tan Hung Commune, more than 900 parishioners celebrated Christmas this year with much joy. At the same time, the parish and its members continued to show care for those facing life's difficulties. During this Christmas season, the parish organized a “meal of love” for elderly seniors, people with disabilities, and local children. Elderly seniors and people with disabilities also received food gifts, while children were given a new set of clothes.

Residents take photos at Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Joining a group of friends at Bien Hoa Parish in Tran Bien Ward to attend Mass and participate in festive activities, Parishioner Nguyen Thuy Van of Bien Hoa Parish shared that she and her friends arrived early to take commemorative photos and engage in activities organized by the parish.

Many families bring their children to celebrate Christmas at Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Alongside Catholic communities, nearly 84,000 Protestant followers in Dong Nai Province also celebrated Christmas joyfully. According to pastors in charge of Protestant congregations across the province, the spirit of welcoming the birth of Christ is always vibrant among believers. To share this joy, Protestant followers also gave gifts to the poor and those facing hardship within the community.

A group of young people captures moments of Christmas celebration at Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

By Van Truyen – Translated by Thuy Trang, Minho