Following a lovely and reflective Advent season, the Sisters began their Christmas celebration with First Vespers of Christmas on December 24, followed a couple of hours later by Mass. It has been a wonderful few days of celebrating the coming of God into our midst. Below are a few pictures from our Christmas celebrations, and some of our preparations for Christmas. Our celebration of the season continues through the Octave of Christmas until the Baptism of the Lord. The season officially ends on February 2, the Presentation of the Lord. How good it is to be able to celebrate not just a day, but an entire season.
Christmas Eve Mass
Christmas Tree at monastery entrance
Decorating the community Christmas tree
Decorating the community Christmas tree
Decorating the community Christmas tree
Hosting brunch after Mass on the Sunday before Christmas.
Decorating the community Christmas tree
Enjoying monastic community life
Visiting with guests from St. Florian
Christmas Eve Mass
Visiting with Knights and Ladies of the Society of St. Peter Claver.
Visiting with guests from St. Florian
We had a lovely visit from the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver
Decorating the community Christmas tree
Decorating the community Christmas tree
The community enjoyed hosting brunch after Mass on the Sunday before Christmas.