HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The season of giving has many thinking about those in the grip of violence and unrest.
In his own Christmas Eve sermon, Pope Francis prayed for peace in Palestine, Israel and Ukraine.
He also mentioned that the annual celebration in Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, was interrupted due to the Israel-Hamas war.
The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston welcomed hundreds to a Christmas Eve mass. Many people present also prayed for peace.
“When I look back on this year, it was very sad,” said Bina Dara, a community member.
Dara and her husband, like many who came to church Sunday evening, were grateful.
“We think about the wars that are going on, we think about the poverty, we think about so many people in need,” Anil Dara said. “I think it’s time to think about all this.”
The Co-Cathedral opened its doors for a Christmas Eve Mass at 4 p.m.
The 32,000-square-foot sanctuary may be a world away from Vatican City, but many were reminded of Pope Francis' Christmas Eve sermon from earlier in the day.
He said: “Our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once again rejected by the futile logic of war.”
The pope is referring to the conflict sparked by Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack and hostage-taking in Israel and continued by subsequent Israeli military attacks and hostage-taking in Gaza.
“It will take many countries as well as people to change the facts on the ground as they exist today,” said Scott Libeling, a community member.
Dara says the images of the war in Gaza are disturbing, but she finds guidance here in these pews. She can't help but feel lucky that her family will be home safely for the holidays.
“I’m here today with my family and I can never thank God enough for the family I have,” Dara said.
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