On this Holy Night, let us ask for the grace of wonder. Before this mystery, before this reality, so tender, so beautiful, so close to our hearts, may the Lord grant us the grace of wonder to encounter Him, to be close to Him, to be close to each other.
Words of Pope Francis from his Christmas Eve homily, December 2024
Dear brothers and sisters,
Recall the glorious lyrics of the beloved Christmas hymn O Holy Night: “O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining; it is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.” Christmas Eve is truly one of the holiest nights on our liturgical calendar!
This timeless hymn evokes the best of emotions and transcendence both before and in our current challenging times. For example, in light of conflicts and wars in our present world, this lyric applies: “The thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.”
In times of loneliness and despair during the Christmas holidays, these lyrics also apply: “In all our trials born to be our Friend; He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.”
In times of racial and cultural tensions, these lyrics invite Jesus, the Prince of Peace: “Truly He taught us to love one another; His law of love and His gospel is peace.”
Since the time of St. Francis of Assisi in medieval Italy to the present, Franciscan friars have been inspired by the Christmas season. St. Francis had a profound love for this holy season and saw in the birth of Christ the perfect expression of God’s humility and love. It was St. Francis who first created the live Nativity scene in the little town of Greccio, so that people could see and feel the wonder of God made flesh.
His devotion continues to inspire us to celebrate Christmas joy, as we truly share that Christmas joy with the People of God throughout the world. We Franciscans are deeply grateful for your faithful support and for being such a vital part of our parish’s mission. This Christmas, we humbly ask you to consider an extra measure of generosity in your Christmas gift to our beloved parish. Rising costs for electricity, heat, and water have placed a strain on our budget, especially during the cold and hard winter days. Your help is essential to keep our church warm, welcoming, and open to all who come seeking peace and hope.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a spiritual oasis in Midtown Manhattan. Since 1844, Franciscan Friars have preached about this Gospel verse from St. Matthew 1:23 “The virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” They preached that God is always with us in mind, body, soul and heart—not just Christmas but all year round. Your continual prayers and financial support have kept the doors, the pews, the confessionals, the altar, and the sanctuary OPEN every day for the People of God for prayer, healing, praise, and serenity. Let us not only celebrate this “O Holy Night,” but also this “O Holy Season.” Thank you so much for your generous Christmas spirit!
On behalf of the Franciscan Friars and the parish staff of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, I want you to know that we will remember you and your most special intentions in our Christmas Mass. I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year
Blessings to you,
Father Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor