Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tunis (Fides Service) - Christmas celebrations in Tunis are far less visible than in many other parts of the world, says Fr. Eugenio Elías, a member of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, first of all because the percentage of Christians is minimum. “Tourists often ask the percentage of Christians in Tunisia but there is no per cent as there might be in Egypt, Palestine or Iraq. In Tunis out of 10 million people only 5,000 to 10,000 are Christians”. Therefore we cannot expect Christmas in Tunis to have the same atmosphere and expectation as in other countries. “There are no outward signs, no street decorations, not even a little commercial agitation” says Fr. Eugenio, although every Catholic church has its Nativity Scene.
“During Advent we usually hold a community Penitential Celebration. This year one of the parishes organised a Christmas Carol evening with a group of choirs” says Fr. Eugenio. In the cathedral before the Mass the vigil is prepared with songs and readings and after Mass the people celebrate Christmas together. Another local custom is that on the last day of the year Catholics call on the Bishop to wish him happy new year. All this helps us to live Christmas in a more spiritual way without external signs which are often more of a hindrance, and to live the authentic spirit of Christmas. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 20/12/2005, righe 16, parole 246)
