December 22, 2005

Christ is born. Glorify Him!

This is the greeting Eastern Catholics and Orthodox give one another during this holy season. For myself, I wish this greeting would be used by every Christian—it’s better than “Merry Christmas,” don’t you think?

On behalf of the friars, I want to take this opportunity to ask God’s blessing upon you and your family as we celebrate the Holy Nativity of Our Savior. Don’t forget to wish each other a “Blessed Christmas” every day of the Christmas season, especially during the octave—the eight days of special solemnity following the feast. We don’t turn off the lights and take down the tree on the 26th—no way, we’re just warmin’ up!

Thanks to Rosann, our faithful friend and quiet coworker, we are able to share with you, our friends and “cyber-family,” some scenes of this year’s live nativity held in the South Bronx. This year, the whole event had a special, personal touch because the parts of Mary and the infant Jesus were portrayed by Br. Augustine’s sister Mary Maye Lorriman and brand new niece, Chloë. Although Br. Augustine’s brother-in-law, Hugh-Guy, didn’t play Saint Joseph, he was close by making sure his wife and child were safe and staying warm in the chilly early afternoon air!

Through the efforts of many, the parking lot opposite Saint Crispin Friary was transformed into a “Bethlehem” which wouldn’t make the movies, but raised the eyebrows of more than one passerby! As you see in the photos, this was not a “fly-by-night” operation. Live music, hand made costumes and live animals created the desired effect—a small glimpse into the sublime mystery of the humility and mercy of God in Christ.

We believe that Saint Francis would be pleased with our meager efforts to bring to the minds and hearts of our neighbors the great event which changed the world. While many will be celebrating “the season” and wishing one another a “Happy Holiday,” we profess the coming of the God-man, Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of the world. May our efforts to reenact and remember the birth of Love be for you an example; please, you do the same. Perhaps it will be a simple reading of the gospel account or the singing of Christmas songs before the manger—whatever you choose to do, do it with reverence, devotion, and faith. Begin and build traditions with your children and grandchildren. Together, we will reclaim Christmas for Christ!

Thank you for your prayers for both communities, the friars and the sisters. We trust in your prayers and thank you for the many words of encouragement you send our way. Please don’t forget, our daily e-letter “From the Friars” is a way of sharing the richness, beauty, power, and wisdom of our Catholic Faith. Do “print and post” the reflections. Put them on your office or church bulletin board or send them to family members and friends. Thanks to Rosann, we now have an index, so you can print and post special messages for that special person.

Finally, a new “coffee table” book on the life and work of the Friars and the Sisters of the Renewal has been published by Ignatius Press. Many people have told us how much they enjoyed the book and the wonderful photos. Here’s another way to reach those who are “on the edge” or even “out of the loop” when it comes to the faith.

So, to all the “friends of the friars,” a Blessed and Holy Christmas season. Christ is born. GLORIFY HIM!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR

(l-r) Br. Ephrem Maria Ali, one of the wisemen and Fr. Conrad Osterhout, the narrator. Br. Ephrem, who is originally from Trinidad, made all the costumes for the live nativity.

photo at left: (l-r) Postulants Augustine Shin and Paul Kim.

photo at right: Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, smiling at the shepherds.

The Holy Family

(l-r) Postulants Anthony Alarcon and Jason White.

Postulant Jose Arroyo holds a sleeping baby goat.

(l-r) Br. Augustine Conner, Br. Dominic Bormans, and Br. Mariano Demma.