For weeks, our daily newspaper has been filled with full page advertisements about how to have the perfect Christmas – food-wise, drink-wise, gift-wise; provided of course that we could afford to do so. We have been bombarded with so many symbols of the sacred season, it is little wonder that we become confused. The symbol of the crib, with all its mystery, was often overshadowed by flashing lights and blaring music.
Now we move on and are just about to face into a brand-new year. What is our symbol for a new year?
Nature provides its own symbols – the newly-formed buds already on the trees; the brave green shoots piercing the dark earth; the birds continuing to sing and embrace the new day, the new year. The ever so gradual lengthening of daylight.
I think our symbol is hope.
The hope that our fractured, fragile world will awaken more fully to the need to seek for lasting peace in all places and between all peoples. The hope that we can deepen our understanding of just how precious is the gift of life in all its forms. It is to be cherished, to be protected, to be healed. The hope that the horrors of wars can recede and cease. The hope that each of us can carry that hope deep in our hearts, knowing that the Light of the World, who came to us at Christmas, will be with us at each moment of this so far uncluttered and brand-new year.
by Ann Marie Hook, AMMM U.S.A. 28.12.2022
You may have seen bread recipes that boast “No Knead.” There are many of these recipes on the internet and YouTube; and entire cookbooks are dedicated to this “fast and easy” method of making yeast dough. I must admit I like “fast and easy.” I can make enough bread dough for four loaves in five minutes. Refrigerated, the dough will last two weeks and is ready to be transformed into warm bread whenever desired. This method is perfect for our fast-paced, hectic lifestyle. So, is there a “need to knead anymore?”
Recently, I had to wonder why I decided to use the traditional “Kneading Method” when I had “a million other things to do.” Whatever the reason, I pulled out the flour, yeast, and salt and got to work. However, when I turned the slightly sticky dough out onto the floured board and put my hands onto the dough, gently pushing, folding, and turning it, I began to understand. I no longer felt rushed. I felt calm and peaceful. I looked out the window and saw the beauty of the leafless trees silhouetted against the cloudy sky. It looked like it might snow.
My mind was transported back about forty-five years to the days when I made all my family’s bread. I thought of Christmases when our children were young, trips to the mountains to cut the Christmas tree, and then decorating it on December fifteenth, Daddy’s birthday. The excitement continued to mount in our household over the next ten days with our baking cookies and Gramma making her famous eggnog. I remembered with gratitude the neighbours who helped us assemble three little bikes after the “tiny angels” fell asleep on Christmas Eve.
Without consciously thinking about what I was doing, the dough became smooth and elastic. The kneading was complete. Yes, this is exactly what I “needed” to do – slow down, and appreciate the beauty of a winter’s day, the excitement of Christmas through a child’s eye, and the generosity of neighbours. I still have the “need to knead.”
By Sr. Margaret Anne Meyer MMM U.S.A. 26.12.2022
It was a very cold snowy morning at 5:30 AM when my parents, sister, two brothers and I got into the car to visit my grandparents in Florida. How would we make the journey in two days? How could we be there on Sunday, Christmas Day when we left on Friday morning? At that time there were no interstate highways, just a two-lane road, maybe three in some areas called US 1.
These were the questions going through my mind as we left New York City. We passed over the George Washington Bridge and headed for the New Jersey Turnpike that had just recently been built. At that time the speed limit, I was told, was 90 mph. That did not last long as it was often foggy, and many accidents occurred. However, we were soon making a lot of progress and loved looking at the scenery, not having been outside the NY- NJ area before.
That evening, we stopped in a motel, having travelled over 600 miles. Having dinner in a restaurant was a great treat. In the morning, Mom ran the bathtub tap to get the water hot enough to make tea. We also had cereal, milk, and bananas for breakfast. Lunch was by a road stop which provided picnic benches where we could sit down and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I was mesmerized by the hanging moss trees in Georgia.
Another night came and we stayed in a motel in northern Florida. Dad said we just had another 250 miles to go to arrive at his parents’ home in West Palm Beach. Christmas morning arrived and I am sure we went to Mass but all I remember of that day is that the car would not go except in reverse. My father got under the car with a wrench and did some loud knocking of the gears. Finally, the car was in working order and we were off to Grandma’s. It was not always easy to find a Church but my parents inquired at the restaurant where the nearest Church was and my father was told 36 miles back or 42 miles toward and he chose to go forward.
We also had some of my mother’s cousins living in that area of Florida, so we stopped to see Cousin Bill Twomey. He was very glad to see us. When he heard I was entering MMM in March he wanted me to meet a woman he knew who just left the convent after 25 years. I declined saying I wanted to try it to see if I belonged there.
We all rejoiced to see Grandma and Papa Meyer. They were glad to see us too and made us feel so welcomed and at home. The next day, we decided to go swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The water was 72 degrees and felt very warm. We all had a great time, marveling that we could be able to swim in Florida when New York was so cold. All the houses were of pastel shades, and I saw no trees but those of palm. I do not know if this were a temptation, but I felt very sad that I would not see a maple or an oak tree in Africa. Some years later when I saw the Flame of the Forest and Jacaranda trees in Africa, I remembered this and how Jesus always gives the more when one thinks one will miss something very much.
My mother’s brother, Uncle Frank Twomey, lived in Miami, and we all got a chance to visit with him too. He told us about a place near where he lived called Africa USA. We drove in a jeep and all the animals were in fields where we passed by. It was very exciting to see them.
The holiday soon came to an end, and it was time to return to New York and to complete my high school studies before entering MMM in March 1956. My Father wanted me to see a little bit of the world before entering in case I was confined to life in one place. That has not been my experience but rather MMM has been a very exciting adventure in faith.
by Sr. Sheila Campbell MMM Ireland 24.12.2022
When I was a small child, I was not allowed to go to Midnight Mass. That was only for the grown-ups. In those days, Midnight Mass meant midnight, not 8pm or 9pm the way it is now. But Christmas night was still special. There was a kind of waiting silence in the air, a kind of holy magic.
On Christmas Eve at midday, a red candle was lit, placed in an earthenware jar because we had no candlesticks. The candle was then carried into the front room and carefully placed on the windowsill and every year the same explanation was given. “This is the candle to show Mary and Joseph that they are welcome into our house so that Jesus can be born”. Sometimes I found myself staring out into the street to see if they were coming yet! This candle stayed lit until 12noon on Christmas Day. My brothers and sisters told me that of course my parents blew out the candle before they went to bed. It would have been too great a fire risk! But in my imagination, there it was, a solitary flame blazing out a welcome.
As an adult now I wonder where did this tradition arise? I have not met anyone else who had this as a family tradition, but when I think about it now, it is a good example of a “domestic church”. If religion means anything it has to be integrated into the fabric of daily living. “Sunday only” religion will not carry us very far. I think of the old Irish custom of making the sign of the cross on the top of a loaf of bread before it is baked in the oven. That is asking for a blessing.
Did we have all the usual “commercial” side of Christmas? Yes, of course, within my parents limited means. As a younger sibling, my belief in Santa was scoffed at early on, but Christmas presents were still enjoyed. I remember being a great reader and often asking for books.
I suppose my desire for Christmas this year is to return to the stillness, the magic of waiting, of expectation and then the burst of joy on Christmas morning. It doesn’t demand much of me, just an openness and patience. Welcome, Joseph and Mary, I am here waiting for you.
by Sr. Jo Anne Kelly MMM Ireland 22.12.2022
It was the day of the Christmas Craft Fair, in the afternoon. I had a visit from a young family, parents and two young teenagers. It was delightful visit.
The boy had a very interesting question. Here in Beechgrove we are a community of fifty-three Sisters. He asked, “It is not possible to like all of them, is it?” Well, he certainly didn’t think so! And he is right. I am not expected to like everybody, but I am called to love them. The question set my mind thinking about the difference between liking and loving. Loving expects that I am accepting of others, as they are. It calls me to be kind, thoughtful, forgiving and so many other ways of wishing them well. That does not come easily. As any parent knows, loving can be costly and demand some sacrifice.
As we enjoyed tea, homemade scones and big cupcakes and chocolate bought from the Fair, the conversation turned to concerns coming from the Synod. The fact is that many no longer go to Mass and many people think that watching Mass on the website is enough. This also set me thinking.
Right now, we are in the time of preparing for Christmas. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ into the world. I asked myself “Why did Jesus come on earth in the first place? Why did He come?” I believe that He came to show us how to live. He gave us a model of how to live as loving people, peaceful people. And look at the people He associated with – the poor, the suffering, the outcasts of society, the sinners, the foreigners. All those who were different in any way. I am challenged every day to be like Him, to live and die like Him.
The Mass is important in our lives as it commemorates Jesus dying for us to show us how to live and love. At the Last Supper he said: “Do this in memory of me”. When I understand what is happening, I want to be there, in communion with Him and with the whole congregation.
As I packed up the two remaining cupcakes for the big boys at home, there were stories of long sermons and heads nodding, trying to keep awake. As I waved the family off home, I set myself the task of reading the Gospel more, of getting to know Jesus better and to live as He showed us, living and loving.
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 20.12.2022
As adults it would be easy to get away from the joy of Christmas. The over commercialisation of gift giving and the shops playing music and selling decorations in November can be annoying too. It appears as if there needs to be a lot more “Christ” in Christmas!
When I look back on my thoughts about growing up in Ireland at Christmas time what stands out to me is not all the years of presents but an experience that filled me with great joy.
I was a child who struggled to read at an early age. Some very caring teachers realised that my issues were needing glasses to read at a distance and also a learning disability known as dyslexia. The remedies were glasses and remedial reading lessons with a lovely and devoted special education teacher named Emily Nevin.
I was so fortunate because although I was horrified at being singled out to leave class a few times a week, something magical was happening. I was able to read. It turned a fire on in my that has burned ever since. Being able to read well was new to me and I had always been terrified that a teacher might call on me and I would be unable to do it. That fear and humiliation stayed with me for a long time.
I changed schools in sixth class going over to the Secondary school I intended to attend. I was in a new place and fortunately my best friend was with me but in another class. No one knew about my early years of stumbling and being unable to read and then going to “special classes” during the week.
I was really enjoying my Speech and Drama course in my new school. One child from each year was being selected to do a reading at the Annual Christmas Carol service was shocked when the teacher recommended that I should do the reading for my year! I could not believe it. I was so nervous but also excited to be able to do it.
The reason I was willing to try was because the reading I was doing was my favourite. Luke 2 announcing the good news that a baby was to be born.
“An Angel of the Lord appeared to them , and the glory of God shone around them and they were filled with fear. But the Angel said to them “Do not be afraid. I bring you great news that will cause great joy for all people…”
I read the entire Gospel until 2:16.
Reading the passage aloud at the podium with a microphone, my 11 year old voice filled the whole church with confidence and clarity I was so alive. I felt myself rise up to the occasion overcome with joy myself at the very words, by past struggles and labels behind me. Comforted and reassurance has come to me many time in my life as I remind myself of this precious moment. As I become anxious or upset I remind myself “Be not afraid. I bring you great news…”
I have made a career of bringing great news to people about love and encouraging them to see beyond their fears to the joys that’s possible.
by an MMM Sister Drogheda Ireland 19.12.2022
In recent days listening to the media reporting that the live crib would not be at the Mansion House in Dublin this year I felt sad and then so delighted to hear it would be relocated to Stephen’s Green.
Some years back I came home from Africa to Ireland for Christmas. I vividly recall the beautiful snow scene on the ground as we flew into Amsterdam Airport and quickly felt the chill as we disembarked from the flight. Instantly we walked into a scene of sparkling lights and Christmas music, and again in Dublin Airport. Crowds of people meeting, greeting and hugging relatives, such joy.
I spent a very happy Christmas with my brother and family. Although the house was on edge of the town in a housing estate at times I woke up to the sound of a donkey in the neighbouring field braying, what a lovely sound. The donkey belonged to the Parish Priest and the field was attached to the Parish Church grounds.
On Christmas morning we went down the road to the Parish Church to Mass meeting and greeting neighbours. There were many families with children clutching toys entering the church for Mass. Many of these families had some weeks earlier left wrapped Christmas packages at the Christmas tree in the Church for families in need.
Towards the end of Mass the priest celebrating appeared to get a phone call! He told the congregation it was a call to announce the arrival of some special visitors…..so at the end of Mass we all quickly went outside to investigate, great excitement. Then we saw the donkey led by Joseph with Mary and Baby Jesus sat on his back coming toward the Church grounds and wending there way around to the side of the Church. There was situated a beautiful live crib which they joined, what a scene and a vision I can never forget, to behold the faces of the many children and indeed the adults.
Listening to all sing the songs, Little Donkey; Mary’s Boy Child, Silent Night and other hymns was so joyful. I thank God for this beautiful memory and for the Parish Priest, the adults and children of the Parish that made this happen. In the weeks leading up to Christmas they displayed the real meaning of Christmas what and Who we celebrate and reached out in many ways bringing joy, hope, comfort and healing to many.
by Sr. Liana de Jesus Brazil/Kenya 18.12.2022
Christmas is a really special time, a time that all people wait for expectantly, especially children and the elderly. Don’t you think that Christmas is worth waiting for? It is worth it when we spend the preparation time well. I come from a very poor family with six children, on the outskirts of Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. For us Advent was the waiting time that was different from normal time. Our mother told the story of the baby Jesus and told us that we had to wait for Christmas to come to have new clothes.
We were all happy waiting for Christmas. Sometimes it took a whole year to arrive we wanted new clothes so badly! But the important thing was the hope that Christmas would arrive and would bring us a lot of joy.
On Christmas week our new clothes would arrive. My mother would say, “Oh, children I met Santa Claus and he asked me to deliver these new clothes for you to go to the school party and to Mass.
On December 24th it was the special day. Brazilian families celebrate Christmas Eve together, rather than Christmas Day. My mother used all the money she managed to raise for this miraculous party. I can never forget how she adorned the tables with a tray of fruit, cake, and a vase of pitanga leaves. There was always plenty of fruit juice for the children. Then on waking up on Christmas morning, every child had their Christmas present. We never spent a Christmas without going to Mass, and when we returned it was time to party. Today, unfortunately, parents do not teach their children the value of Christmas.
How I would like to go back the time to re-live those lovely Christmas times. We longed for the neighbor to give us a piece of cheese and turkey, because all we had of those was the smell!
For me Christmas is a time of love, sharing, brotherhood, and sisterhood. Christmas with those who are needy brings out the true meaning of the feast. Happy Christmas and Happy New year to all!
by Sr. Prisca Ovat, MMM Kenya 17.12.2022
The tradition of having someone to pray for and exchange gifts with comes alive Christmas after Christmas. It is usually an exciting exercise to look forward to. However, I seem not to always look forward to the gift-exchange exercise because there are particular persons I pray not to pick their names. Having to buy them Christmas gifts often seems to come with the headache of knowing what to get if they are unappreciative or demanding. What to buy for a highly selective and classic person and whether that would meet their expectations appears to be a nightmare.
A couple of times, I would have to look closely at their feet just in case I discover what shoe size they wore, check their bathrooms for their make of toiletries, watch keenly for something they wear which would require a replacement, listen attentively to something they lament not having but wish they had. Yet, all the close monitoring and extra care exemplify the natural care we owe each other. Finally, the day dawns, and everyone expects the revelation on their kindles and what gifts await to greet them. Whether or not I ever appreciated those gifts, I accepted them wholeheartedly just for the gestures, love, and efforts that would have gone into them.
Our creativity as MMMs extended to the staff with whom we work. And on one of these occasions, I received something quite unusual as a Christmas gift – a live cock. No one would ever imagine how much of a joke this became. To the greatest embarrassment of the generous giver, it was the best Christmas gift ever. So while others went home with personalized gifts, mine was to be shared with the community. It was something new, and they were yet to learn the other meaning of gift-giving.
The lesson not only lies in the act of giving but the generosity and realization that we can be family, as in some cultures where families share a meal with those unable to afford anything. The small things that make life more than what makes the difference. Yes! It is another Christmas, and I look forward to a gift from my Kris kindle, lamb, or puppy.
by Sr. Genevieve van Waesberghe MMM Ireland 16.12.2022
God, our Emmanuel is always coming, often in surprising ways to heal us and give us new life.
It was in our small counselling center where we accompanied single women traumatized by years of conflicts. Their children too were victims. Many were sent away from school as the mothers were unable to pay the school fees or because, unable to concentrate on their studies, they often they had antisocial misbehaviors. Each year, before Christmas, we had a live Christmas crib. Children would volunteer to take part in it. That particular year, one boy wanted to be ‘Joseph’. He was notorious for his difficulties at school, we were surprised by his request but welcomed it.
The day came, all dressed up accordingly. Each one was quite serious about his/her role. But as the play went on, our Joseph did not exactly behave as the Joseph in the Gospel. He was quite mischievous and creative in his ways. We watched and, at times, could not help but have a good laugh!
Years went by. I had been assigned to another country but one day got a chance to return to visit the staff of the Counselling Center.
A young man was helping in the garden. The old watchman man asked if I remembered him. I went to greet him and to my great surprise, discovered that he was ‘our Joseph’, a fine young adult and now a third-year medical student, doing well. He was spending time in the garden to get some pocket money! I did not ask him if he remembered the Christmas play.
Recently I heard that ‘Joseph’ was now qualified and helping the sick, mothers and children. I pray that St Joseph that he once tried to impersonate guide him in his healing ministry especially to those most vulnerable. I thank God for Joseph and his mother. He certainly suffered much but I know that through his pains he learned compassion.
In the many areas of Africa affected by wars and conflicts, I have seen miracles among those we attended: widows, orphans, former child soldiers, etc. Their lives have been transformed and in turn they are helping others.
It is just amazing how it happens when we are truly present to others, in a simple and humble way, thus allowing the God-with-us, our Emmanuel to work in unexpected ways. It can be through a kind word, action, or may be …a Christmas play! Nothing magic. It is all very ordinary and human. This is the meaning of Incarnation.
Today, amidst uncertain times, let us be watchful that we may not miss our Emmanuel coming in the ordinariness of life, to give us hope, heal and renew our hearts and all creation.
For weeks, our daily newspaper has been filled with full page advertisements about how to have the perfect Christmas – food-wise, drink-wise, gift-wise; provided of course that we could afford to do so. We have been bombarded with so many symbols of the sacred season, it is little wonder that we become confused. The symbol of the crib, with all its mystery, was often overshadowed by flashing lights and blaring music.
You may have seen bread recipes that boast “No Knead.” There are many of these recipes on the internet and YouTube; and entire cookbooks are dedicated to this “fast and easy” method of making yeast dough. I must admit I like “fast and easy.” I can make enough bread dough for four loaves in five minutes. Refrigerated, the dough will last two weeks and is ready to be transformed into warm bread whenever desired. This method is perfect for our fast-paced, hectic lifestyle. So, is there a “need to knead anymore?”
It was a very cold snowy morning at 5:30 AM when my parents, sister, two brothers and I got into the car to visit my grandparents in Florida. How would we make the journey in two days? How could we be there on Sunday, Christmas Day when we left on Friday morning? At that time there were no interstate highways, just a two-lane road, maybe three in some areas called US 1.
When I was a small child, I was not allowed to go to Midnight Mass. That was only for the grown-ups. In those days, Midnight Mass meant midnight, not 8pm or 9pm the way it is now. But Christmas night was still special. There was a kind of waiting silence in the air, a kind of holy magic.
It was the day of the Christmas Craft Fair, in the afternoon. I had a visit from a young family, parents and two young teenagers. It was delightful visit.
As adults it would be easy to get away from the joy of Christmas. The over commercialisation of gift giving and the shops playing music and selling decorations in November can be annoying too. It appears as if there needs to be a lot more “Christ” in Christmas!
In recent days listening to the media reporting that the live crib would not be at the Mansion House in Dublin this year I felt sad and then so delighted to hear it would be relocated to Stephen’s Green.
Christmas is a really special time, a time that all people wait for expectantly, especially children and the elderly. Don’t you think that Christmas is worth waiting for? It is worth it when we spend the preparation time well. I come from a very poor family with six children, on the outskirts of Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. For us Advent was the waiting time that was different from normal time. Our mother told the story of the baby Jesus and told us that we had to wait for Christmas to come to have new clothes.
The tradition of having someone to pray for and exchange gifts with comes alive Christmas after Christmas. It is usually an exciting exercise to look forward to. However, I seem not to always look forward to the gift-exchange exercise because there are particular persons I pray not to pick their names. Having to buy them Christmas gifts often seems to come with the headache of knowing what to get if they are unappreciative or demanding. What to buy for a highly selective and classic person and whether that would meet their expectations appears to be a nightmare.
It was in our small counselling center where we accompanied single women traumatized by years of conflicts. Their children too were victims. Many were sent away from school as the mothers were unable to pay the school fees or because, unable to concentrate on their studies, they often they had antisocial misbehaviors. Each year, before Christmas, we had a live Christmas crib. Children would volunteer to take part in it. That particular year, one boy wanted to be ‘Joseph’. He was notorious for his difficulties at school, we were surprised by his request but welcomed it.