An Abbey Christmas

Christmas Eve

In the days before Christmas there was a flurry of activity at Mount Michael as monastic community members decorated the Chapel, hung Christmas lights on the Abbey, searched the grounds for a suitable Christmas tree, cut it down, erected it in the Monastery and then decorated it. Several monks also put in several hours of practice for the Christmas eve Mass so that every thing would be beautiful for the celebration of the Lords birth.

On Christmas Eve the monks gathered in the chapel for a 5:00 PM vigil service. After the vigil they gathered for Hors D’oeuvres followed by a traditional Christmas Eve meal including oyster stew.

Starting at around 7:00 PM guests began to gather for the 8:00 PM service. Those who wanted good seats came early! The service was preceded with a choral presentation starting at 7:30 performed by monks, alumni, students, and friends. The Mass was presided over by Abbot Theodore Wolff O.S.B. Serving the Mass were alumnus David Levy ’02, and current students Joe Kmiecik ’03, Ron Kmiecik ’05, and Zach Lage ’06. After the service everyone gathered in the dinning room for cookies and beverages.

Afterwards, while some monks headed to bed others gathered to visit and enjoy each other’s company until close to midnight.

Christmas Day

The Monks rose for Morning Prayer at 9:00 AM followed by a fantastic brunch prepared by Bro. Jerome. There were several different types of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, breads, and rolls, potatoes, wine, cheese, and other delicacies.

Christmas Day mass was celebrated at 11:00 AM. The crowd was smaller than the night before but still enthusiastic in celebrating the Lord’s birth.

In the afternoon some monks rested while others played. For those who were interested there was a showing of Men in Black II, which Novice Carlos had rented for the occasion.

After 5:00 PM vespers the monks gathered in the Abbey for Hors D’oeuvres and beverages followed by another wonderful dinner prepared by Bro. Jerome. Afterwards everyone gathered around the Christmas tree for the gift exchange. Among the gifts were books, clothing, CD’s, and many other items. Fr. Michael (a Kansas State fan) must have been bad this past year because Santa buried him in numerous “Husker paraphernalia”!

After lots of laughs and fun with the gift exchange, Fr. Daniel and Novice Jairo led a group in a sing along while others played cards or just visited.

And so ended another wonderful Christmas at the Abbey. The Lord has blessed us with the gift of his son for which we truly rejoice! Merry Christmas!