Abbot’s Reception 2020 by Director of Special Events Carla Kenahan

Abbot’s Reception 2020

The internet was ringing with Christmas cheer with over 170 friends and members of the Portsmouth Abbey community connecting on Zoom. The Abbot’s Reception, one of the School’s longest-standing traditions, made history in 2020 by celebrating this famed event virtually for the first (and hopefully last) time on Thursday, December 10.

A warm welcome and Fall Term update was given by Headmaster Dan McDonough and a Christmas Blessing by Prior Administrator The Very Reverend Fr. Michael Brunner, O.S.B. Fr. Michael was pleased to report the monks remain healthy and continue to pray for our community. Assistant Headmaster for Advancement Matt Walter served as emcee sharing three video presentations. The first performance featured Sixth Form musicians, Cassiel Chen ’21, Christine Dong ’21 and Lily Sones ’21. Under the guidance of Jeff Kerr our director of music, they performed “Silent Night, Holy Night.” It wouldn’t be an Abbot’s Reception without the inimitable J. Clifford Hobbins, who delighted our community by reciting an AbbeyInspired reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Our audience was invited to join a sing-a-long to Nat King Cole’s “Deck the Halls” while enjoying spectacular winter images of our campus by the bay. Before the evening concluded, guests viewed pictures from past Abbot’s Receptions while listening to “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”

A very special thank you to our Director of Communications Kathy Heydt for her excellent video work. Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 2, 2021. We will see you in New York!

Soprano Lily Sones ’21 provided the vocals for “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Cliff Hobbins recited an Abbey-Inspired version of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”