FROM THE ARCHIVES:

Notes from Christmases Past

Ava Doogue, CSJ Archivist

Former Congregational Archivist Blaithin Sullivan, CSJ, used the Artifact of the Month series to connect present-day sisters with those who came before them. Last Christmas, to honor and bridge traditions from the 1930s to 2024, the archives shared Christmas Day events and reflections with our readers. This year, continuing that tradition, we share more excerpts from the annals — stories centered around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — that reveal how past sisters and early pioneers celebrated this holy season.

Dec. 25 1880, pg. 18:

“Christmas day in the morning. The children sang at the first Mass [5 o’clock]. Sr. M. Thomas played and the Sisters lent their voices to charm the worshippers and they succeeded admirably. Father was very much pleased and that is enough for us. The Sisters got up at midnight and sang their Christmas carols to the great annoyance of those who remained in their nests. It was a happy day throughout. Father’s collection was good.

Dec. 24 & 25 1883, pg. 45:

Dec. 24: “Mrs. Tobin brought a piece of roast beef. Mr. Moulton a turkey, Father Higgins a barrel of flour to Sister Aloysius; pies and cakes from Miss Monahan, five dollars from Mrs. McMorrow; Annie English five dollars to Sister M. Mary; Katie Mahar $2.50 to me; Katie Leonard $1.00 to Sister Aloysius.”

Dec. 25: Children sang very well at the 5 o’clock Mass.

Dec. 24 & 25, 1902, pg. 108: (Note: first mention of a Christmas tree)

Dec. 24: “We had a Christmas tree for the Sisters in the Community Room and in the Hall for the children. After Santa Claus had given presents to the children he came to the Community Room and presented each Sister with a box. All were generously treated.”

Dec. 25: “The Chapel is decorated beautifully Two Masses were said by Rev. G. Reardon, Rev. A.J. Rossi gave Benediction.”

Dec. 24-25, 1907 pg. 141:

Dec. 24: “The children of the Academy enjoyed their annual Christmas tree.”

Dec. 25: “Christmas Day. Mass at 6:30 a.m. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 2:30 p.m. An oil painting of St. Thomas Aquinas, painted by Sister Mary Claude, was sent to Father Magennis, a gift from the Sisters at Mount St. Joseph Academy, Brighton.”

Dec. 24-26, 1940, pg. 388:

Dec. 24: “Christmas Eve; the house looked beautiful; at 4 p.m. Mother sent the Christmas mail to the Community Room; much excitement and joy. In the evening while the Sisters were at supper, Mother had a new radio installed in the community room.”

Dec. 25: Christmas Day. We had three Masses at midnight, one high Mass and two low Masses celebrated by the chaplain, Father Sullivan. The singing was beautiful. During the second Mass, the lights in the Chapel went out and we had only the lights in the gallery and the altar lights; the effect was beautiful. Christmas morning we all had a sleep until 7 a.m. the Sisters had much company in the afternoon. In the evening we enjoyed Benediction. After Novena prayers we all went to the community room for ‘grabs’