Christmas in Nepal

December 28, 2012 - The head of the Catholic Church in Nepal has reminded his Catholics of their right and duty to spread the message of Christ across the country and bear witness to his coming on earth and his sacrifice. Bishop Anthony Francis Sharma, Vicar Apostolic of Nepal, said this in his homily at the Christmas vigil Mass in Assumption Cathedral in Kathmandu. Hindus and Buddhists also attended the midnight Mass. The Jesuit prelate, who is the first Nepali bishop, called on Nepali politicians and religious leaders to see the birth of Christ as an opportunity "to work together without concern for caste, ethnic and communal differences for the greater good of the country, which has been afflicted by a serious economic and political crisis since 2008." Christmas preparations began on 20 December in the country's churches. For the first time since the fall of the Hindu monarchy in 2006, celebrations took place in a festive atmosphere without threats of terrorist attacks by extremist groups. Sources told AsiaNews that many Christian communities organised public processions and prayer vigils for 25 December, which has been a national holiday for the past two years. In the largest parishes, the authorities joined the celebrations, providing security and musical bands. On 25 December, top government and state officials sent their greetings to the country's Christian communities, both Protestant and Catholic. In a country torn by decades of civil war between Maoists and supporters of the Hindu monarchy, through their service and devotion, symbolised by Christmas, Christians have "contributed to enhancing peace, goodwill and brotherhood," said President Ram Barav Yadav of Nepal in a message. Since the end of the monarchy, which banned all religions except for Hinduism, the number of Christians has increased as a result of greater religious freedom. In the 2011 census, Christians were 1.5 per cent of the total population. In 2006, they were only 0.5 per cent. In six years, the number of Catholics rose from 4,000 to 10,000.