Hundreds gathered at Saint Agnes Cathedral on Christmas morning, filling the pews for a celebration centered on faith, music and reflection.

For many attendees, the morning was a chance to pause during a busy season and focus on what matters most.

Catherine Kirschbaum said Christmas is a time to reflect on life’s blessings and the people who share them.

“It’s a day where we have to reflect on all that He has given us, not just today, but throughout our lives,” Kirschbaum said. “Our families, our blessings, our communities.”

For others, the holiday carried deeper personal meaning. Chaminda Kurubbu, who moved to the United States from Sri Lanka 18 years ago with his wife, said Christmas reminds him of the freedom and opportunity he found in America.

“It’s peace and harmony for everyone in the world,” Kurubbu said. “That’s what the religious leaders want everyone to be.”

According to Father Michael Duffy of Saint Agnes Cathedral, this year’s Christmas services drew record-breaking crowds. He believes renewed excitement within the Catholic Church may be one reason for the strong turnout, pointing to the influence of the newly elected American pope.

“Nobody thought it would happen, but Pope Leo has captured the hearts of Americans and Catholics all over the world,” Father Duffy said. “The crowd was so big at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome last night that the pope had to go outside and greet people in the rain.”

Father Duffy said Christmas serves as a powerful reminder of the purpose of attending Mass and the deeper meaning behind the holiday.

“Christ-mass,” he said. “It means we get Christ in church. We get Christ when we come here, so it’s great to be reminded about what this is all about. It’s not just about the stuff. It’s about God becoming one of us.”