Christians in India were in a somber mood in December 2008 after the anti-Christian violence in Orissa earlier that year and the Mumbai attacks on 26 November 2008 . As past president of the AICU , Menezes said " Christmas is going to be as always . But the manner of celebrations should be different . In solidarity with their suffering brethren in Orissa , the Catholic community should suppress festivities and instead concentrate on the spiritual aspects of Christmas " . She called on parishes throughout India to use the money they would have spent on Christmas to help their fellow-Christians who were suffering in Orissa . She said the response had been generally good , but not in Goa
Mumbai attacks
2008 Mumbai attacks
Maria Emilia Menezes