The coming feast of Christ’s birth brings to our minds many memories as well as creates many new experiences. Childhood especially offers us many moments of happy recall. On our streets were many vendors of trees. Once selected my mother would give guidance to my father and me on how to get the tree up five floors to our three room apartment. It would fill the corner of the living room and always looked regal even before the lights and tinsel. But central to our decoration of our home was the erection of the crèche. Inside the fake fireplace my sisters would put dark blue crepe paper on its backing and then glue on stars of various sizes. Additionally, an angel proclaiming the good news would be hung over the barn containing the manger. There was always an ample supply of dry hay to be placed around the scene with a few square feet of cotton representing snow (which was probably extremely rare to the citizens of Bethlehem). Each of us children put the statues where we thought they belonged but it was only on Christmas Day the Christ child was put in the scene by my youngest sister. That was our tradition.
It must be remembered that the day before the Nativity (like other eves of holydays of obligation) were times of fast and abstinence. Italian families, for example, had the tradition of preparing seven types of fish. As you probably know, this pastor is not fond of the fruit of the sea. Therefore, I ate little. The first Mass took place at Midnight. From fifth grade I served at it in various capacities: torch-bearer, acolyte, thurifer, etc. After the liturgy my father and I would return home to a wonderful breakfast which I am sure clogged not a few arteries. We would then go to bed to await the man in red. When I became a deacon I served another man in red: the Servant of God Terence Cardinal Cooke at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. My first four years as a priest I served as a master of ceremonies at the main Eucharist which was celebrated by the Rev. Msgr. Andrew F. Quinn, P. A. Those initials stood for the fact that he was a Protonotary Apostolic. It was his privilege as such to be vested as if he were a bishop four times a year. Additionally, the choir which assisted at the celebration had seventy-five men and boys voices. The grandeur of the Church made one think of a European Cathedral.
Last week, Archbishop Dolan spoke of his first Christmas as a priest. He recalled being asked to work with one of the sisters in the Catholic School in producing the annual Nativity play. As most classes have at least one child who could be called a “character” this group was not an exception. He was called Ben. Our shepherd said he tried him out in the role of Joseph. It was not a good fit. He didn’t seem to have the wherewithal to be a wise man or shepherd either. Finally, it was decided that he might be the innkeeper. After all he would only be required to say “there is no room” The evening came. The proud parents gathered. All seemed to be going well. Then the dramatic confrontation came. Joseph pleaded for a place for his wife who was with child. Joseph explained to our innkeeper that he had no more alternatives. Our friend Ben was to then utter those famous words but looking at the Holy Family he stated in no uncertain terms: “Come on in, we can take care of you”. Thus history was made in St. Louis, Missouri. After the play was over and eggnog distributed with gifts of candy cane, the priest and religious director questioned the young but creative actor as to why he deviated from the script. He responded thoughtfully:” how could I turn that man and woman away. They were having a child. I had to make room for them.” Our Archbishop acknowledged the truth of the remark and urged those to whom he told the story that their attitude must be that of Ben. We must all seek to make sure that in this Holy Season everyone is touched by the meaning of Christ’s birth.
My more recent memories is of the overwhelming generosity of so many in caring for those who do without. Many teenagers volunteer at the Lunch Box to give a substantial meal to those who are suffering from the ravages of the cold weather. Our youth group has been shopping for a family they are sponsoring through Catholic Charities. (So often when we hear of the millions of unemployed, or thousands homeless in our cities, or the high percentages of people who go to bed hungry, we are numbed. We must realize that each of those statistics is a person in need of support. They are souls important to their Creator and must therefore, be important to us.) The Knights of Columbus of our parish and those of Saint Martin de Porres delivered last Tuesday the toys collected from the people of the two parishes. I rejoice that we have been able do this for the last thirty-one years. There are some wonderful moments that I have shared with my brothers which I wish I could share with all of you. The Franciscan Handmaids of Mary are a very special group of women. They have served in Harlem for decades and have touched the lives of so many young people in their nursery school, teaching in neighborhood Catholic schools, and working in Catholic social agencies. One of my favorite memories were of sister, who was teaching music for seventy-five years as a religious, engaging the Knights and encouraging them to sing. Sister Anthony, Sister Maria Goretti, Sister Jacqueline not only have served God themselves in the example of their Franciscan forbearers, they collaborated with Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and her community and welcomed her to live with them as they were establishing themselves in New York.
As we have been the recipients of marvelous memories so we must make more for our young people. I look forward to celebrating Christmas with Fr Francis Perry and Dcn. John Dunn. Invite your family and friends to pray with us. And don’t forget. “Confession is good for the soul”.
I promise you all a remembrance in my Christmas Masses.
Vivat Jesus!
Fr. Brian
