Candlelight carol services at Christmas are nothing new, but illuminating the quite small chapel of the Convento de São José with 400 candles was an amazing site, enjoyed by a full congregation.

As LED candles offer complete safety, even the children were free to enjoy their own candle without any fear of burns.

Every pew was lined by small votive candles and arriving guests were amazed by the effect. Everyone was greeted by mulled wine and mince pies. Natasha performed a solo of Oh Holy Night and the service ended with the traditional Oh Come All Ye Faithful, but without the final verse which is only sung Christmas night.

On Christmas Eve there will be two services of Holy Communion. One at 11:00 and the other the midnight (Bethlehem time) Holy Communion at 21:00.

If you enjoy a Christmas Midnight Holy Communion, come and join us, everyone is welcome. As the service is on Bethlehem time (21:00), we will get everyone back home well before midnight.

Directions are on our website https://www.allsaintsalgarve.org/ or on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/allsaintslagoa