Christmas Eve is a special evening preceding Christmas Day, celebrated on December 24. The Christmas Eve Mass symbolizes the transition from darkness to light, for Jesus is the light of the world. It is an opportunity to remember that God is with us and that He loves us.

In Mugunga, Diocese of Goma, the Franciscan brothers celebrated this Christmas Eve with the orphans of the Tulizeni Center of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary. Accompanied by Brother Gabriel Mushagalusa, Brother Faustin Paluku presided over the Eucharist, which began at 5:00 p.m.

Focusing on the three readings of the day (Isaiah 9:1-6; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14), Brother Faustin's homily was a special moment to reflect on the meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Addressing the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary, Brother Faustin emphasized that the birth of Jesus should rekindle in them "the gift of self and the commitment to bring hope where it has been lost."

He asked the children to visit the Nativity scene regularly until the day of Jesus' baptism and to imitate his humility, who made himself small like them so that they could grow.

Here is the video of the children.