MOJACAR has held an emotional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in the Parish Church of St. Mary.
The celebration was officiated by pastor of the Catholic Church of Santa María, José Miguel Esteban Jerez, and Father Gerardo Reilly, now retired.
The nine readings begin with Genesis and end with the Gospel of Luke, following the story of the fall of man, the promise of a new covenant and the coming of a Messiah, and concluding with the birth of Jesus Christ. The readings are interspersed with traditional carols and choral music.
Both priests closed the service with readings in Spanish and English for the large crowds and local officials in attendance.