This year, Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, was marked by the heartfelt observance of Midnight Mass, celebrated globally, with key ceremonies taking place at the Vatican and various cathedrals across Mexico. These traditional liturgies not only commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ but also serve as powerful reminders of values such as peace and social justice, especially during these challenging times.
At the Vatican, Pope Francis presided over the Misa del Gallo, held on December 24, 2024, at St. Peter's Basilica. The Holy Father, addressing approximately 6,000 gathered inside and 30,000 outside, emphasized themes of hope and community. He expressed, "When our heart resembles a little manger, we can say hope is alive," urging the congregation to reflect on the many global conflicts, including war and violence against children, and to bring hope to places where it has been lost.
During this significant mass, the Pope started with the reveal of the infant Jesus' statue, surrounded by children representing various nations, honoring the Nativity with floral tributes. The atmosphere was rich with hymns and scriptural readings, as the faithful joined together to welcome the Nativity of Christ.
Back on the shores of Veracruz, the diocese held its own Midnight Mass earlier than usual, starting at 8 PM to accommodate worshippers’ safety and mobility. Aurelio Mojica Limón, the spokesperson for the Diocese of Veracruz, explained the early scheduling. This year's nativity scene at the cathedral not only symbolized the birth of Christ but included blessings for figurines of the baby Jesus brought by parishioners. The celebration was led by Bishop Carlos Briseño Arch, showcasing both community spirit and religious devotion.
Among the many parishes celebrating Nochebuena, traditional customs reigned, with families congregated for the sacred event. Attendees were encouraged to arrive early, with some locations expecting numbers as high as 2000. Mons. José Luis Retana, Bishop of Salamanca, highlighted the rich history of the Misa del Gallo, which began as early as the 5th century. This mass, named for its timing at midnight—ad galli cantus, or ‘at the crowing of the rooster’—actuated the vigil of shepherds who first saw the baby Jesus.
Retana is set to lead the coveted Misa del Gallo at the Old Cathedral at midnight, which will usher the liturgical celebrations of Christmas. Following Nochebuena, masses will continue through conventional times, with services held on Christmas Day, at 11 AM and additional celebrations during the afternoon.
This unique fusion of ceremonies across locales not only sheds light on the distinct regional practices of celebrating Christmas but also on the universal messages encapsulated within these celebrations. For many, these masses serve as focal points of reflection for the past year, invoking the spirit of unity and the importance of family connections.
The Pope’s Christmas homily also included calls for peace and the ending of violence, addressing the socio-political issues plaguing many nations. He proclaimed, "There are so many desolations in our times; let us think about wars, about children being killed, about bombs falling on schools and hospitals... We have the duty to bring hope where it has been lost." This stark reminder of the world’s turmoil urges congregants to find solace and purpose during the Christmas season.
Notably, the Pope's messages this Christmas are underscored by the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the beginning of the 2025 Holy Year. This event offers pilgrims the chance for plenary indulgences, symbolizing renewal and redemption, directly aligning with the message of Christmas as both festive and reflective.
Across Mexico, communities engaged with ceremony and tradition, readying their hearts and homes for the coming week of Christmas. With Midnight Masses often packed, families honored time-honored practices, from decorating nativity scenes to caroling, satisfying the yearning for togetherness and shared joy.
Authorities emphasized the necessity of attending mass with appropriate decorum and encouraging community spirit. Such gatherings reflect not only individual but collective faith, signaling hope for the future.
This year’s Christmas Eve celebrations across the world, from the Vatican’s grandeur to local parish modesty, blended the locale-specific nuances with overarching Christian narratives. Fostering faith seamlessly intertwines with festive traditions, encapsulating the dual nature of the holiday season—joy tempered by reflection.
These gatherings—and the solemnity intertwined with the celebratory—are more than ritual; they resonate deeply within the human experience, reflecting hope irrespective of circumstance, extending goodwill as our global community moves forward together.
From the traditional and warm-hearted Misa del Gallo to Pope Francis's poignant messages, Christmas Eve 2024 served to reconnect believers with the core teachings of compassion, renewal, and shared humanity, anchoring them firmly within the spirit of the festivity.
