Yule Log ignitesChristmasspiritamong the community

On Monday,Dec.7, the Yule Log ceremonytook place.The festivitiesincludeda mass in the chapel,dinnerin Founder'sHall, and the actual lightingof the Yule Log along with singing,praying,and decorations.

by Cynthia Taura assistant copy editor

The ceremony started out in the late afternoon with a mass at the chapel. Then, as the mass ended, the late afternoon turned into early evening as the road from the mansion to Grace Hall consisted of candles on both sides. This was just the beginning of Cabrini's annual Yule Log ceremony.

According to campus minister Arlene Smith, the Yule Log is an "opportunity to gather before everyone leaves for break." There is a pretty high success rate associated with the Yule Log.

"I think it is something a lot of people look forward to every year. Students are encouraged to participate to put them in the holiday spirit," Smith said.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in this celebration as it is an opportunity to celebrate the anticipated Christmas season.

Before the ceremony outside the mansion began, crowds of people were gathered outside, while inside, Santa Claus was granting the Christmas wishes of handicapped and disabled children.

The ceremony started off with a mass at 4:45 p.m. in the chapel.

From 4:30 to 6:45 p.m., there was a buffet dinner in the Founder's Hall dining hall. The Yule Log was then lit at 6:30 p.m. in front of the mansion courtyard. John DiMucci introduced the ceremony. Dr. Leonard Primiano offered a reflection of the story of the Yule Log. Dr. Marilyn Johnson recited the poem "Welcome Yule."

President Antoinette Iadarola and Sister Mary Louise Sullivan lit the log. After that, everyone holding a candle passed the flame from the log. Smith blessed the fire with holy water.

After the blessing and lighting of the fire, everyone gathered in a procession from the mansion to

Grace Hall with their candles lit. The Cabrini community chorus joined in the procession, singing such carols as "O Come All Ye Faithful."

Once in the mansion, Smith gave a short speech.

The Children's school chorus also entertained by singing to the audience. Desserts then followed and the Cabrini chorus sang some more carols. The final event was the breaking of the piful. from the log.

Most of the students had a positive reaction. Teresa Martin, a sophomore, said "This is always one of my favorite holiday things at Cabrini, so it was fun."

For one student, it gave more of a home-like feeling. Gail Miller, a sophomore, said, "It really hits home. It gives the true meaning of the holiday."

First-year student Tara Beakley said, "It was nice, but it would have been nicer if there was more student participation and more students were here to see it."

"As a junior, this is my third time and it is getting better every year. The attendance is getting better every year and the Yule Log ceremony has been here since the college opened in 1957. I think Cabrini students should honor and respect it, and it is a great way to begin your holiday season" said junior Chad May.