We experienced a truly wonderful Christmas here at the monastery!
Preparations for the Birth of Christ at Saint Benedict Center began with visits to local nurseries, where generous donors contributed beautiful greens, wreaths, and swags to adorn both the monastery and convent chapels. On the day before Christmas Eve, the Brothers, joined by a few helpers, climbed ladders to wrap extensive pine roping around the beams and the rose window of the chapel. They also strung lights throughout, creating a starry-night effect for Midnight Mass! In the meantime, the Sisters decorated the Main Altar, the trees in the sanctuary, and wreaths throughout to complete the chapel’s stunning Alpine-like appearance. (Enjoy photos below!)
In the monastery kitchen, the Sisters busied themselves with baking and cooking, while last-minute cleaning around the property was carried out in joyful anticipation of the Christmas festivities.
Christmas Day began with the awe-inspiring Midnight Mass, followed by the Mass of the Shepherds at dawn and the High Mass of the Day. (This year, we were especially blessed with a beautiful white Christmas—the first in a couple of years!) In the evening, Solemn Vespers brought the liturgical celebrations to a close, along with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
And now, we arrive at the feast of the Epiphany! Our celebration of the Christmas season would not be complete without extending heartfelt thanks to all our Gift List donors, whose generosity provided much-needed items for our monastery, school, and camps. Every item on the list was purchased, and we are truly grateful. Your generosity has touched our hearts—please know that you were lovingly remembered in our Midnight and Christmas Masses. Be assured of our continued prayers for you.
May God reward your generosity and kindness. May the Infant Jesus and His holy Mother bless you abundantly this Christmastide and throughout the New Year!
