Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi on Thursday, joining a large congregation from the Christian community. The service included prayers, carols, hymns, and a special prayer for the Prime Minister by Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, Bishop of Delhi. This marked the first time PM Modi participated in a program at the headquarters of the Catholic Church in India.
Sharing photos of the church on his X account, the Prime Minister wrote, “Attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi. The service reflected the timeless message of love, peace, and compassion. May the spirit of Christmas inspire harmony and goodwill in our society.” He also extended Christmas greetings to the nation, wishing peace, compassion, and hope, emphasizing the values of love, service, and brotherhood taught by Jesus Christ as vital for social harmony and mutual respect.
The Cathedral Church of the Redemption, also known as the Viceroy’s Church, is a neo-Gothic architectural landmark built between 1927 and 1931 under the British Raj. Located near Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, it serves as the main church of the Diocese of Delhi within the Church of North India. Designed by Henry Medd, the church’s tall spires, intricate façade, and design elements inspired by both Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions reflect the craftsmanship of the era, with influences from Palladio’s Church of Il Redentore in Venice.
President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings, saying, “On this auspicious occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially brothers and sisters of the Christian community. Christmas, the festival of joy and enthusiasm, conveys the message of love and compassion. It reminds us of the sacrifice made by Lord Jesus Christ for the welfare of humanity. This sacred occasion inspires us to further strengthen the values of peace, harmony, equality, and service in society.”
