Ranchi Archbishop Felix Toppo advised the faithful to ensure that Christmas this year is celebrated with simplicity and without grandeur, while the Church appealed to chief minister Hemant Soren to appoint a Christian minister in his cabinet to look after the interests of the minority community.

The Christmas gathering, organised under supervision of Bishop Daniel Ponraj of Frontier Church, was attended by state's health minister Banna Gupta, MLAs Irfan Ansari, Nalin Soren and Mathura Prasad Mahto and L. Khyangte, director general of Sri Krishna Institute of Public Administration, Ranchi, on Tuesday. Telegraph Picture

"We welcome all to visit the manger here that will be opened for public viewing for the first time this year, but request them not to bring any cake, gift or flowers," Toppo told the media at Archbishop House on Tuesday morning.

Also present was Auxiliary Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas who highlighted some of the problems faced by the church while running minority educational institutions.

Ranchi mayor Asha Lakra and JMM leader Mahua Majhi attended the Christmas gathering on Tuesday in the city. Telegraph Picture

"We couldn't fill up vacant posts of teachers in our schools which hampered teaching because the previous government delayed approvals," he said, but added that the Hemant Soren government was, however, looking into the matter.

"There's no Christian minister in Jharkhand. I appeal to the chief minister to appoint one who will look into the interests of the minority community, " he also said.

Archbishop Felix Toppo with Infant Jesus at Bishop House in Ranchi on Tuesday. Picture by Manob Chowdhary

Toppo also advised the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church not to spend money on decorating their houses or bursting crackers. Instead, they should donate the money saved to the poor.

"We have invited rikshaw-pullers of the city to join us at lunch at Loyola Ground on Christmas Day," Bishop Mascarenhas said, adding that the event would be in tune with the social work the Archdiocese has been undertaking during the pandemic by running shelter houses and community kitchens.

Attendees of the Christmas gathering at Ranchi receive flower bouquets from the Church authorities on Tuesday. Telegraph Picture

The Bishop also suggested mangers be prepared at home using old materials and decorated by using a single star of Bethlehem so that the money saved could be donated. "It's a very difficult time and we all should do our bit to help the poor and the needy," the Bishop said.

"Churches will organise additional masses to accommodate more devotees while observing social distancing," he said, adding that two online masses would also be organised for those who would like to attend from the comfort of their homes.

The state government has, however, allowed congregations not exceeding 200 people. In open-air congregations, 300 would be allowed.

Preparations on for Christmas at Bishop House in Ranchi on Tuesday. Picture by Manob Chowdhary

Figurines brought in for preparations for Christmas at Bishop House in Ranchi on Tuesday. Picture by Manob Chowdhary

Artist paints a face of Santa Claus at Bishop House in Ranchi on Tuesday. Picture by Manob Chowdhary

Preparations on for Christmas at Bishop House in Ranchi on Tuesday. Picture by Manob Chowdhary

All Churches Leaders Council of Jharkhand organised a Christmas gathering at a city hotel on Tuesday afternoon that was attended by senior functionaries of various churches and MLAs. Children sang Christmas carols and presented skits based on the life and teachings of Lord Jesus.