Thiruvananthapuram: Churches around the world are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came into the world for the salvation of humanity. The Christmas festivities will kick off with the evening Mass, with Pope Francis set to open the Holy Door today, marking the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee Year. This will take place ahead of the Christmas celebrations at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where the world will witness the commencement of the 2025 Jubilee Year. The Door of Mercy will be opened at 11:30 pm Indian time, followed by the Nativity Celebration at St. Peter's Basilica.

In India, Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil will lead the Christmas Eve service at the Marthoma Major Archi episcopal Church in Palayur, Thrissur Archdiocese, starting at 11:30 pm tonight. Cardinal Mar George Alencherry will officiate at St. Xavier Forona Church in Thrikkodithanam, Changanassery Archdiocese, also at 11:30 pm.

Meanwhile, Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar Baselios Clemis, Catholicos of the Malankara Catholic Church, will lead the Christmas celebrations starting at 7 pm tonight at St. Mary's Cathedral in Pattom. The service will include a fire service, Holy Communion, and Christmas carols performed by the cathedral choir. Cardinal Mar George Kuvakkad will arrive to preside over the Christmas Mass at PMG Lourdes Forona Church, where he will be warmly received at the church courtyard at 10:30 pm.

The Christmas Mass at Lourdes Forona will be celebrated by Fr. Morley Kaithaparambil, with Associate Vicars Fr. Robin Puthuparambil and Fr. Ron Ponnatil. At St. Joseph's Cathedral, Palayam, the Christmas Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Dr. Thomas J. Netto at 11:30 pm tonight. There will also be Holy Mass services at 7 and 8 am tomorrow on Christmas Day. Midnight and morning Masses will be held in churches globally to mark the occasion.