ADVENT:
The Latin American novena of “the inns” recreates the story of Mary and Joseph.
I THIRST ORANGE COUNTY
DECEMBER 11, 2022 7 8 12
Christ Cathedral hosted the inaugural event on Nov. 19.
The Tustin parish has created an all-encompassing worship experience.
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OUR MOTHERHOUSE IS located on a large property in a tiny village in rural France. With its old stone buildings, expansive pastures, flower gardens and shaded pathways, it’s a gorgeously bucolic setting and the most peaceful place I’ve ever been.
During the year that I lived there I don’t think I heard a single airplane overhead, an emergency siren or even a car horn. The nighttime silence and dark, starlit skies were especially striking.
Looking up at the stars I felt the deep security of knowing I was enveloped by God’s love.
The memory of those starry Breton skies still quiets my soul and fills me with a sense of peacefulness in the midst of life’s inevitable difficulties.
What a contrast this is to the darkness
enveloping our Ukrainian brothers and sisters this winter as their country continues to be bombarded on a daily basis. This darkness is not a blanket of security or prayerful serenity – although cries to God no doubt rise from it – but an inescapable cloud of fear and dread.
As I think of the people of Ukraine during this Advent season, I am reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah about the people dwelling in darkness (Is 9:2ff). This passage speaks of a burdensome yoke, a taskmaster’s rod, boots tramped in battle and cloaks rolled in blood.
This is harsh military imagery.
The people living in darkness are wounded and oppressed, like our Ukrainian brothers and sisters today. They desperately need someone to shine a light into the cold cellars and improvised bunkers in which they huddle.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 13
The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the
THE ONE FOR WHOM OUR HEARTS LONG
PUT YOURSELF IN THE scene of today’s Gospel passage. John the Baptist is in prison. He has heard stories of what Jesus is doing, and wants reassurance that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. John’s disciples and those who surrounded Jesus were faithful Jews who would have known Isaiah’s prophecies by heart. God would send One who would bring sight to the blind, healing to those who were ill, salvation to all who longed to know God’s mercy and peace. Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question rings as powerfully in our ears today as it surely did for the people who were with him that day. His actions are precisely those that the people had been told to expect. Jesus is the One for whom the people have been patiently yet anxiously waiting, like the farmer who waits for the fruits of his labor. Jesus is the One for whom our hearts long.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
ZEC 2:14-17 OR RV 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; JDT 13:18BCDE, 19; LK
OR LK 1:39-47, OR ANY READINGS FROM THE COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, NOS. 707-712
SAINT
UNDER THIS TITLE, Our Lady is the patron of Mexico, the United States and all of the Americas, as well as the protector of unborn children. In 1531, she appeared in a vision to the peasant Juan Diego, on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City, and charged him with asking the bishop to build a church on that spot. But the bishop demanded a sign, so Our Lady had Juan gather flowers in his cloak, in December, to take to the bishop. When Juan opened his cloak, the colorful image of Guadalupe was emblazoned on the cactus-cloth. That icon is preserved in the most famous shrine in the Western Hemisphere and Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to inspire poor and oppressed people worldwide.
TUESDAY
ZEP 3:1-2, 9-13; PS 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; MT 21:28-32
WEDNESDAY IS 45: 6B-8, 18, 21B-25; PS 85:9AB, 10-14; LK 7:18B-23
THURSDAY IS 54:1-10; PS
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
FRIDAY IS 56:1-3A, 6-8; PS 67:2-3, 5, 7-8; JN
SATURDAY
GN 49:2, 8-10; PS 72:1-4AB, 7-8, 17; MT 1:1-17
SUNDAY IS 7:10-14; PS 24:1-6; ROM 1:17; MT 1:18-24
“
Christian faith is not just about reciting the creed… it means thinking about the creed… feeling the creed… doing the creed”
— Pope Francis
Beloved founding principal of St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Huntington Beach touched the lives of countless families with her kind, gentle ways.
the halls of St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Huntington Beach after students had been dismissed for the day, Sr. Teresa Carmel Lynch, the founding principal who served in that role for three stints totaling 29 years, would spot a teacher still working.
“Please go home to your family,” she would gently but firmly tell the instructor.
For Sr. Carmel, who died Nov. 16 at age 91, family was everything.
She leaves behind countless children, parents and colleagues who, over the decades, came to view her as a paragon of their Catholic faith – the embodiment of a gracious, caring, kind and compassionate spiritual leader.
And, yes, a member of their family.
With a sparkle in her eye and an Irish lilt to her voice, Sr. Carmel was warm and gentle, and always chose to see the best sides of her students.
Kids who were sent to her office for getting into mischief may all have left with a piece of candy – a trademark gesture of Sr. Carmel — but the respect she exuded meant they would never get into trouble again.
“She was never happier than when she was with her students,” said Paul Stanford, who worked with Sr. Carmel for three years as a computer teacher from 2005 to 2008, when Sr. Carmel retired from St. Bonaventure.
Stanford and his wife, Mary June, were among a handful of close friends and loved ones who were with Sr. Carmel when she died peacefully at the Regina Residence, an assisted living facility in
Orange.
For more than a year after Sr. Carmel fell ill and before she died, the Stanfords visited her weekly, bringing her freshly cut flowers from their home garden in Westminster.
“She had a huge impact on my life and my faith,” Paul Stanford said. Many feel the same.
Sr. Carmel was from Kells, County Meath, Ireland.
One of eight children, she grew up on a farm and loved the simple country lifestyle.
After completing her education and landing a job in government work in Dublin, she answered the call to religious
life and joined the Sisters of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.
After working as a missionary for five years in Pakistan, she was sent to California with three other sisters to start St. Irenaeus School in Cypress in 1963.
Two years later, she was assigned to St. Norbert School in Orange.
In 1966, Sr. Raphael, as she was then known, was appointed the founding principal of St. Bonaventure. She and Msgr. Michael Duffy, the founding pastor of St. Bonaventure Church, together set the direction that put the school on a path of academic excellence that continues today.
In 1968, Sr. Raphael was assigned to St. Irenaeus School, where she was principal for five years. In 1972, she returned to St. Bonaventure as principal. In 1985, Sr.
Carmel took a sabbatical year in Rome. When she returned to California, she taught at St. Robert School in San Bruno.
From 1990-1994, Sr. Carmel served as director of religious education at St. Norbert Parish in Orange.
She returned as principal of St. Bonaventure in 1994. During that time, an endowment fund for the school was initiated, and a new administration building, and the Duffy Center were added. The school also earned the 2006 National Blue-Ribbon Award.
Sr. Carmel had a California teaching credential, a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree in school administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Dorothy Mullin, educational technology coordinator at St. Bonaventure School, became a teacher after being urged to do so by Sr. Carmel when she was an aide in 2000.
“We always said we worked with Sr. Carmel — we never said we worked for her,” Mullin said.
She recalled Sr. Carmel’s humility.
“Walking across the school grounds to go to Mass, she would bend over and pick up trash,” Mullin said. “She was an amazing example to the children.”
Mullin, whose three children went to St. Bonaventure, added: “We still come to work because of Sr. Carmel. We’re still trying to pay back to her what she did for our children and everybody.”
Vanessa Frei, director of marketing and enrollment at St. Bonaventure School, said she’s forever grateful for the impact Sr. Carmel had on her two children, the students, faculty and families over the years.
“Sister Carmel will be remembered as a guiding light who helped shape our St. Bonaventure children as well as a tremendous example of what it means to be a Christian servant for the entire school community,” Frei said. Stanford, who retired in 2019, recalled a priest who was at her side when she died.
“He said she not only led many children to Mass, but to heaven as well – including parents and everyone else she touched,” he said. “Because of her, I grew much closer to my faith.”
St. Bonaventure Principal Mary
Flock called Sr. Carmel a “bright light.”
Said Flock: “Through her daily actions and deeds, she created a solid foundation for which St. Bonaventure Catholic School rests today. It’s comforting to know that although she is no longer physically present, her legacy of love, faith and service can be found in every corner of the school.” C
AS WE DRAW CLOSER to Christmas, we recognize the need to prepare for the coming of Jesus into our lives. The Church offers us these means of preparation through a variety of opportunities and traditions. These traditions are lived out concretely as faith and culture unite, expressing our faith and solidarity. Novenas are a common way to prepare for the special solemnities that honor the different moments of the life of Jesus throughout the liturgical year.
During this holiday season, parents might want to introduce their children to a tradition called Las Posadas. It is very beneficial to expose children to different cultures and teach them about how other families may prepare for the birth of Christ.
Las Posadas is an ancient Christmas novena communally celebrated especially in Mexico, Latin America, and the United States. It begins on Dec. 16, nine days before Christmas and offers a lived experience of preparing for the birth of Christ as a community with songs, prayers and faith-filled activities. In Spanish, Las Posadas means “lodging” or “inn” and this tradition focuses on Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem as she prepares to give birth to Jesus.
Accompanying the holy family in prayer and action reminds us that we too, as disciples of Jesus and members of His Church, are on a journey of holiness, traveling together to our Heavenly home. We want to recognize Christ’s presence among us as He seeks refuge in the homes of our hearts. His knock may come in the stillness of prayer as we recognize His desire to rest with us after Holy Communion or we may notice His plea for posadas in the distress of the poor and homeless. Wherever we hear His invitation, nine days of reenacting the situation of Joseph and Mary heightens our attention to
the many ways Christ approaches us in our daily lives.
While families’ experiences of Las Posadas vary according to region and local customs, all gatherings include prayers, singing, the reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s journey, piñatas and refreshments with fellowship. Children dress up like Joseph and Our Lady. They knock on doors as different choirs sing through a dialogue between Joseph and the innkeeper. Joseph begs for shelter and the innkeeper counters with many excuses and dismissals. Finally, the door is opened, and everyone welcomes the holy family with joy and gratitude.
Renata Soto, a parishioner at St. Philip Benizi, recalled her experience of Las Posadas in her hometown of La Higuera, Mexico.
“Since our town only had 60 families, everyone participated in Las Posadas,” she said. “Families take turns hosting the evening’s celebration in their homes, praying and singing carols. Then they process to the local church while praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. When we arrived at the church, the children enjoyed breaking the piñatas and refreshments were offered. It was a beautiful experience of being on pilgrimage together.”
“The piñata, which is in the shape of a seven-pointed star, also serves as a means for catechesis,” explained Marivel Alvarado, Director of Faith Formation at St. Philip Benizi in Fullerton. “The seven points remind us of the seven deadly sins. It’s colorful because sin is attractive. The stick that is used to hit the piñata represents our will and determination to overcome sin. We are blindfolded
during this experience because overcoming sin requires an act of faith and guidance from others. When we break free from sin, we receive grace, or in this case treats from the piñata!”
Everyone should experience the tradition of Las Posadas. Many parishes in the Diocese of Orange are planning to host this novena and all are welcome.
At St. Philip Benizi Church in Fullerton, Marivel is planning a special event on Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. that will include bilingual presentations about Las Posadas and other traditions that prepare us for Christmas. They will sell tamales and funnel cakes as well. Parish ministries will host Las Posadas each night from Dec. 16 to Dec. 23 (except Dec. 18) at St. Philip Benizi at 7 p.m. where they will pray together and offer refreshments.
At Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Santa Ana, Margarita Acevedo who serves the Parishioner Relations Specialist, is planning a nightly gathering for Las Posadas at 6 p.m. from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24. Each night will include a 6 p.m. procession and Rosary; 7 p.m. Mass in Spanish, followed by refreshments and piñatas.
“Many people from the parish come every day,” shared Acevedo. “The Aguilar family started this custom at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church which now has been hosting it for many decades.”
At Our Lady of La Vang Church in Santa Ana, Paola Flores, Coordinator of Hispanic Ministries, is also organizing Las Posadas from Dec. 16 to Dec. 23. Every night is led by a different ministry group and choir. They will read from Scripture, reenact the search of the holy family for lodging and conclude with piñatas and refreshments.
“This experience makes our faith accessible to families, especially children.” said Flores. “It is one of the most important moments to proclaim what we believe and receive the joy of our faith.”
During this season of Advent, Las Posadas offers an invitation to us all: do we want to be the home that offers hospitality to the holy family or will we be the ones to turn them away? Let us prepare our hearts for the coming of our King Jesus! C
THIS WAS A DAY to rejoice, a day to be inspired by spirit filled testimonies from dynamic speakers, a day to experience the love of Christ.
But most importantly, the inaugural “I Thirst Orange County” event at Christ Cathedral on Nov. 19 was a day when more than 1,000 worshipers were blessed and empowered as eucharistic evangelists to go out into the world and bring others back to the Catholic Church.
“That’s why we are here today,” Bishop Timothy Freyer told the gathering at the Arboretum, where the majority of the I Thirst took celebration place. “To allow ourselves to experience this love, this mercy, this compassion, this joy, this peace that only Christ can give you. When we are rooted in Christ, we have a joy and a peace that the world cannot remove.”
The day-long I Thirst Orange County celebration was the official launch the three-year, Jesus Thirsts for America tour, a companion movement with the National Eucharistic Revival, involving events at the diocesan level followed by events at the parish level before culminating with the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I Thirst featured a series of speakers, delivering testimonies in three languages at three venues at the Christ Cathedral campus.
The day started with a Mass celebrated Bishop Keven Vann and Bishop Freyer. Confessions were also heard throughout the day.
Bishop Freyer said that it is not enough to sit and rejoice, but to be messengers, bringing Christ to families and friends, especially those who have drifted apart from their Catholic faith.
“We are called as ambassadors of Christ to bring his good news to our brothers and sisters who are lonely, who are afraid who are who are depressed who are nervous who are anxious who are doubting,” Bishop Freyer said. “And we are not responsible for how they respond. We are simply called to go out and be his messenger.”
I Thirst was organized by Steve Greco, permanent Deacon and Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation at the Diocese of Orange, and president of Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry, which engages in
evangelization and support of the foreign missions.
“The Lord told me several years ago we must take back the darkness with the light of Christ,” Deacon Greco said. “The Lord told me over and over again how much he loves us. The Lord told me; we must say yes without reservations. It is so important that we understand that God is calling us to be all in, not to be lukewarm. Today is the day of taking back the darkness.”
Barbara Heil, a Catholic evangelist with experience ministering to the poor, in
children’s camps and inner-city missions, shared about her journey from growing up in an abusive, non-religious home to having a transformational experience while attending college in Washington.
Heil talked about living in a party house when her roommates, who had their own epiphanies and began attending church.
Heil had no interest in joining her friends at church but recalled walking into a church where her friends were to let them know she was planning to move out.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
From that point, Heil can’t recall much about what happened, only that people were praying over her, and she was crying.
“What I knew that night was that God was real and Jesus really came for me,” Heil said. “I woke up the next day and the grass was greener, the sky was bluer, the sun was sunnier, and I was a brand new Barbara.”
Heil told the gathering that God has chosen them to share His love with the world, just the way she had been chosen.
“There are appointed times and seasons in the kingdom and if you are alive right now, it is for His appointed purpose, for His time in the calendar of God,” Heil said.
“God is up to something, and we are all invited to be part of it. God is stirring in our hearts, not just because he loves you and me, but because he loves the world.”
Working in the ministry of healing and deliverance in the church, author and evangelist Kathleen Beckman discussed the need to live a life of “prayer and divine
intimacy with Jesus Christ.”
“That is what this I Thirst movement is about,” said Beckman, author of four best-selling books, “Praying for Priests,” “God’s Healing Mercy,” “When Women Pray” and “A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare.” “It’s about engaging souls wherever we can reach them.”
I Thirst also included music ministry performed by Donna Lee, a three-time Unity Award winner, who performed the song titled “I Thirst,” which she wrote
specifically for the event.
The next I Thirst event is “I Thirst Los Angeles,” which takes place March 4, 2023, at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights.
Said Deacon Greco: “We need you. Jesus needs you. Your family needs you. Your friends need you. The people that you come across need you.”
For more information on I Thirst and Jesus Thirsts for America, go to spiritfilledevents.com C
NINE YEARS AGO, when they first moved to Orange Country from Chicago, Del and Jeff Moses discovered what it’s like to be alone with no place to go for Thanksgiving dinner.
They decided to do something about it.
They created the Thanksgiving dinner ministry at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laguna Woods, and thus began what is now an anticipated holiday tradition.
“I prayed to Mother Mary to help make the ministry work,” Del Moses remembered.
And indeed, it did.
For the inaugural dinner, they served 180 people in the nearby Laguna Woods retirement community (formerly Leisure World) who had no place to go on Thanksgiving. The tradition kept growing, however, and this year’s feast fed nearly 500 people.
The dinner is open to anyone who wants to attend — be it whole families or those on their own — and is served in the festively decorated community room and patio of St. Nicholas parish.
Almost 100 dedicated volunteers from the parish pitched in over four days of preparation.
Funding for the dinner came from the generous donations of parishioners and beyond.
Del Moses and her volunteers cooked and served 30 turkeys as well as ham, mashed potatoes with gravy and all the trimmings along with dessert, to a very grateful group of guests who ranged in age from 2 to 96.
“I am thankful for all the wonderful
people helping me,” she said. “It’s a wonderful ministry.”
Volunteer Kathy Hernandez agreed.
“This is beautiful,” she said, “to help people in our community, many of whom are by themselves. Their families are away or maybe they’re not here anymore.”
Hernandez said that this year, she saw many familiar faces as well as some new ones — perhaps those who needed a lot of courage to attend.
“I’m alone,” said attendee Shirley (who declined to give her last name). “I have no family in the area, and this is my
favorite holiday.”
Knights of Columbus member and ministry volunteer Ron Wells said that the event is quite special, especially given the challenges of the last few years.
“It’s a great way to build fellowship and to bring people back from the doldrums of COVID.”
Parochial Vicar Fr. Martin Bui expressed his own gratitude for the day.
“I’m thankful to God and the people of God,” he said. “St. Nicholas always welcomes people. The people here are lovely.”
For the last 22 years, St. Norbert Catholic School eighth graders have led Mass and hosted breakfast for veterans and active-duty military in honor of Veterans Day.
The Orange school celebrated with an all-school Mass, where men and women who have served — and are serving — the country were welcomed with a procession of flags representing the United States and its Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force. Afterwards, the eighth-grade class continued its long-standing tradition of hosting breakfast in the ministry center. Nearly two dozen veterans attended, some with family, others representing relatives who served in the military and have now passed on.
“The day has become a tradition that the students look forward to fulfilling,” said St. Norbert School principal Joe Ciccoianni. “The administration and faculty teach the eighth graders about the sacrifices of veterans and active-duty military, and the students come to appreciate their ‘turn’ giving back.”
Submitted by Catherine RislingSt. John Neumann Parish Choir presents, “Christmas Shining Bright,” a concert infused with Christmas spirit: faith, hope, love, peace, unity and–above all–gratitude, on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. A reception starts at 5:30 p.m. The concert takes place at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 5101 Alton Parkway Irvine. For ticket information, visit 2022sjnchristmasconcert. eventbrite.com. C
“COME AND STAY” is one of many cornerstones that St. Cecilia Parochial Vicar Father Michael Nguyen used when developing The3thirty Program.
So, what is The3thirty Program?
The program uses the words of John 3:30, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” This is used to transform the former Sunday 4 p.m. Mass, into an all-encompassing worship experience now to be celebrated at 3:30 p.m.
“We have become a factory of Masses, one after another all weekend long, rather than a vision of faith,” said Fr. Michael.
Mass, the sacraments and Catholic education, have been a large part of Fr. Michaels’ life growing up in Orange County. Now as a priest, those same components of Catholic life have become more challenging to weave together.
“Nothing has changed in the last 30 years, and we need to do Faith Formation in a new way,” he said.
Throughout the Spring of 2022, Fr. Michael prayed, reflected and strategized on the issues that many parishes face –to keep the high school age youth and young adults engaged and active in the Catholic Church.
As chaplain of St. Cecilia School, he interacts with students on a regular basis. It was one comment made during the 2022 graduation week that resonated deeply.
According to Fr. Michael, the student said, “this may be the last time we all see each other.”
This was a viable comment, as students at our Orange County Catholic
schools oftentimes branch out to attend high school at different institutions. Fr. Michael wondered why? Why do our youth not come back to their home parishes? Why do young couples who marry in the Catholic Church leave the faith?
Fr. Michael felt the beginning of the summer was the time to put all of the prayers, reflections and strategies into action. The plan for The3thirty Program was introduced to new parish administrator, Fr. Khoi Phan, who approved the plan and The3thirty Program went into overdrive in order start as soon as possible.
Sunday Sept. 18 marked the beginning of the new 3:30 p.m. Mass. At 3:25 p.m., Fr. Michael could only count fewer than 100 parishioners in attendance. He worried that the new Mass time would not be accepted, and that the youth of the parish would not embrace this new concept.
Thanks to the Lord’s guiding hand, within the next five minutes, 500 additional parishioners streamed through the doors slightly delaying the start time for Mass. The3thirty program was becoming a reality and a resounding success!
Since the first Mass, the total attendance of all weekend Masses at St. Cecilia has risen by 700 parishioners with the average attendance for the new 3:30 p.m. Mass being 600.
This is a sizeable increase from an average of 150 parishioners for the previous 4 p.m. Mass.
The3thirty Mass at St Cecilia is not just a youth Mass. All are invited. Each Sunday is divided into the Mass, followed by 30 minutes of fellowship and socializing in the Hall. Faith Formation takes place on the first and third Sundays. Adoration, the Rosary and other activities fill in on the alternate Sundays.
When asked for more details on this program, Fr. Michael said, “This program is similar to a dinner. Mass is the main entrée, but everyone at dinner asks, ‘what is for desert?’ Desert is Faith Formation, Fellowship and Community.”
The3thirty Program, Come and Stay!C
PAINTING
BY JOSE
To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364–3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722–4356 New Hope Crisis Counseling Hot Line (24/7): 1 (714) NEW–HOPE or 1 (714) 639–4673
YULIIA ZAIKA, A 9-YEAR OLD UKRAINIAN GIRL, HOLDS HER CAT IN THE VILLAGE OF MOSHCHUN NEAR KYIV, UKRAINE, NOV. 8, 2022. (CNS PHOTO/MURAD SEZER, REUTERS)
It is just after the winter solstice, the darkest point of the year, that we celebrate the coming of our Savior at Christmas. Isaiah proclaims, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone …For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”
In their icons Ukrainian Catholics and Orthodox Christians traditionally portray the Nativity scene as a black cave surrounded by jagged rocks. This inhospitable setting represents the cruel and sinful world into which Jesus was born.
From heaven a large star sends a single shaft of light to pierce the darkness and guide the viewer’s eye directly onto the baby lying in the manger. This babe is the light that will dispel all darkness.
An Orthodox monk reflecting on the Nativity icon wrote, “O God, upon whom will the light shine if not those who live in darkness? If I truly feel that I am in darkness, then I surely will seek the light.”
This insight helps us to understand that the miracle of Christmas is not automatic. We must realize our need to be plucked out of the darkness that surrounds us – we must intentionally seek the light.
For most of our contemporary world,
Christmas is filled with bright lights, shiny baubles and excesses of every kind. It is difficult to quiet our hearts enough to seek the true light we so desperately need.
Perhaps an act of solidarity with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters can help us to clarify our priorities this Christmas.
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and the highest ranking Ukrainian clergyman in the United States, recently spoke at a meeting of U.S. bishops.
He suggested that we open wide a window in our home, turn the lights out and sit there long enough to really feel the cold. This act of solidarity, he suggested, will help us to feel what the Ukrainian people are experiencing everyday as this war drags on.
May this simple gesture of empathy and solidarity inspire us to intensify our prayers for peace, that the light of Christ will truly pierce the darkness this Christmas – the darkness of sin and war enveloping our world, and the darkness that lurks in each human heart.
O Lord, God-Hero and Prince of Peace, how we need you! Come into our world anew this Christmas and dispel the darkness with your divine light!
VATICAN CITY (CNS) —Stopping to gaze at and perhaps pray before a Nativity scene is one of the best ways to remember the real meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said.
“In its genuine poverty,” the pope said, “the creche helps us to rediscover the true richness of Christmas and to purify ourselves of so many aspects that pollute the Christmas landscape.”
Pope Francis met Dec. 3 with the artisans who carved the 18-piece Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square; the donors of the white pine Christmas tree; the residents of a psychiatric rehabilitation center who, along with a group of students and grandparents, created the ornaments; and with representatives of the government of Guatemala, which set up another Nativity scene in the Vatican audience hall.
“Simple and familiar, the Nativity scene recalls a Christmas that is different from the consumerist and commercial Christmas. It is something else. It reminds us how good it is for us to cherish moments of silence and prayer in our days, often overwhelmed by frenzy,” Pope Francis told them during a midday gathering.
The group was scheduled to gather in St. Peter’s Square in the evening for the official unveiling of the Nativity scene and the lighting of the Christmas tree. But a major rainstorm with a forecast for more caused the Vatican to move the evening festivities indoors, although hundreds of people still were in the square for the lighting.
Meeting with the donors, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to find some quiet time to spend before a creche at Christmas.
“Silence encourages contemplation of the child Jesus,” the pope said, and “helps us to become intimate with God, with the fragile simplicity of a tiny newborn baby, with the meekness of his being laid down,
with the tender affection of the swaddling clothes that envelop him.”
“If we really want to celebrate Christmas,” he said, “let us rediscover through the crib the surprise and amazement of littleness, the littleness of God, who makes himself small, who is not born in the splendor of appearances, but in the poverty of a stable.”
To truly encounter Jesus, the pope said, people must meet him in the manger, leaving their own vanity and pretense behind.
“Prayer is the best way to say thank
you before this gift of free love, to say thank you to Jesus who desires to enter our homes and our hearts,” he said. “Yes, God loves us so much that he shares our humanity and our lives.”
“Even in the worst moments,” the pope said, “he is there, because he is the Emmanuel, the God with us, the light that illuminates the darkness and the tender presence that accompanies us on our journey.”
The lights on the Christmas tree, he said, are a reminder that Jesus came “to
lighten our darkness, our existence often enclosed in the shadow of sin, fear, pain.” But, the pope said, the tree also should make people think about the importance of roots.
Like a tree, he said, only a person who is “rooted in good soil remains firm, grows, matures, resists the winds that shake him and becomes a point of reference for those who look upon him.”
The Christmas tree, Pope Francis said, is a reminder of the need to remain rooted in Christ. C
—Submitted by Shaun Nguyen
