Left to right: Old Motherhouse in Brighton, MA; Holy Family Chapel in Brighton, MA (circa 1970s); Motherhouse Annals, 1938

From the Archives: Christmas Annals

Ava Mari Doogue, CSJ Archivist

In the Soundings Supplement published in December 1990, former archivist Blaithin Sullivan, CSJ, offered a look back at the Christmas celebrations of the early CSJs through entries from the CSJ Annals. Highlighting special memories from the early days of the community in Boston provided a glimpse into the traditions and experiences that shaped their celebrations of the holiday season.

The entries Blaithin selected offer valuable insight into the way the sisters celebrated the Christmas season in an era far different from today, marked by simpler times. While some customs may have remained constant, others might have evolved — reflecting changes in society, culture, and the Church itself.

In comparing the Christmas traditions of the 1930s at the Motherhouse with those observed today, what has changed and what has remained the same. While the world around the sisters has changed, the core values of the community — faith, service, and love — continue to shape the way we celebrate the season today. While the celebration of Christmas may differ, has the method of giving back and serving the dear neighbor changed as well? Read some of the entries to form your own conclusions…

1931…

December 24: Three midnight Masses. Altar was beautiful. Friends very generous.

December 25: Rising bell 7:00 a.m. Sister M. Michael [Reilly] played Santa Claus. All had a very happy Christmas.

1937…

December 21: Christmas presents all delivered today. Martin [Curley] and two Sisters spend the day delivering.

December 24: Many Christmas presents came in for the Sisters. Sisters made Holy Hour privately. Midnight Mass was celebrated by the chaplain; we had one High and one Low Mass at midnight. The singing was very beautiful.

December 25: Christmas morning Father Desmond, C.M. celebrated three Masses. The Sisters from Catherine Moore house came for Christmas. Mother and Sister Justin visited the sick at the hospital.

1938…

December 24: Much house cleaning going on. Christmas mail given out late in the afternoon. Midnight Mass at 12; chaplain said one high and two low Masses; Father also preached a sermon; everything was over about 2:00 a.m.

December 25: Christmas! Sisters had rising bell at 7 a.m. Father Desmond C.M., Sister Cuthbert’s brother, came at 9 a.m. and said three Masses. Sisters sang beautifully at all the Masses. The weather was glorious and everything was perfect in and out. In the evening after Benediction, Sisters had a “grab” in the Community Room.