Sawston Cantonese Community Celebrates Christmas

The Cantonese Catholic community came together in joyful celebration on Christmas Day at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston, where a special Cantonese-language Mass was held to mark the Nativity of our Lord.

Parishioners and visitors from across the region joined in the celebration, filling the church with prayer, song and a strong sense of unity.

Christmas, a season rooted in hope, love and togetherness, was beautifully reflected throughout the liturgy. Celebrated by Fr John Minh, the Mass enabled worshippers to engage deeply with the readings, hymns and prayers in Cantonese, creating a warm and spiritually enriching atmosphere. The liturgy emphasised the enduring message of God’s love made present through the birth of Jesus Christ, and the congregation participated wholeheartedly, contributing to a reverent yet uplifting celebration.

Following the Mass, the community gathered in the church hall for a festive tea and social celebration. Families and friends shared homemade treats, from savoury pastries to traditional Christmas cakes, offering a warm and hospitable welcome to all. Laughter and conversation filled the hall as people renewed friendships and enjoyed the joy of the season.

Carol singing added to the festive spirit, with the community proclaiming the Good News through well-loved Christmas hymns. A particularly moving moment came as everyone joined together to sing O Little Town of Bethlehem in Cantonese, its gentle melody underscoring the blessings and grace of Christ’s birth.

A highlight of the celebration was a special lucky draw, featuring gifts thoughtfully sourced from Rome in honour of the Holy Year. These tokens of faith brought excitement and delight to both children and adults, serving as tangible reminders of the community’s shared Catholic heritage and the bonds that unite them.

Strengthened by the joy of Christmas and their shared celebration of faith, community members left encouraged to continue walking together in unity, hope and love. The gathering not only commemorated the birth of Christ but also offered a moment of renewal as the community looks ahead to 2026 with gratitude and anticipation.

For more information on Cantonese Masses in 2026, please visit:
www.ololsawston.org.uk/cantonese-chaplaincy

or email: cantonese.chaplaincy@rcdea.org.uk.

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