Hundreds gather for Christmas Mass in Boston

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Hundreds of Catholics gathered to celebrate the season at Christmas Mass.

For families in Boston and across New England, attending mass on Christmas Day is a family tradition. The cardinal explained why this year, that tradition is more important than ever.

Boston's Cathedral of the Holy Cross is as impressive as it is beautiful.

And for families in and out of Boston, Christmas Mass here is tradition.

"We always go on Christmas. It's the most important day of the year,” said Bruce McCarthy.

"I love mass, especially on Christmas. It definitely has a special meaning,” said Allison Hanlon.

Family members say what's important on Christmas is well, family.

"Mainly being with family. We're from Virginia. We come down to see family. We come down here every year,” said Tom Hanlon.

"Especially since our family is spread out all over the country. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Boston now. It's really a special time to come together. It's one of the few opportunities that our family gets to come together on such a meaningful day and spend some quality time with each other,” said Mark McCarthy.

Boston's Cardinal Sean O’Malley said Christmas is about our God loving us so much that he wants to be a part of our lives. Even in the darkest of tragedies, such as the one in Newtown, Connecticut.

"The message of Christmas is a very important one. And sometimes it gets papered over by the tinsel and the lights and other things, but this year in light of the tragic events in Connecticut, I think people are looking for the real reason of Christmas,” said Cardinal O'Malley.

The next daily mass at the cathedral is tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.