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Last Christmas, in 2023, the Franciscan community celebrated the 800th anniversary of the first Christmas Creche. On that momentous Christmas Eve in 1223, in the medieval town of Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi initiated a live reenactment of the birth of Jesus. Townspeople portrayed the Holy Family, shepherds, and angels, accompanied by real livestock, bringing the Nativity scene to life. This historic event marked the first recorded Christmas Creche, establishing a cherished tradition that has since spread across the globe.

Next year, in 2025, we will celebrate another milestone — the 800th anniversary of “The Canticle of the Creatures,” St. Francis’s lyrical poem, recognized as the oldest piece of recorded Italian literature. This profound work highlights the importance of God’s Creation, inspiring the papal encyclical Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis, which means “In praise of.” It is a call for all of us to praise and care for our common home, Earth. Throughout 2025, our parish will honor this legacy by focusing on the care and our shared responsibility for our planet, Holy Mother Earth!

During this blessed Christmas season, we are reminded of the words from the Gospel of John: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Jesus, fully human and fully divine, entered our world to bring hope and salvation. Our parish, having endured the challenges of the pandemic and other trials throughout its history, is now emerging to be fully alive once again.

As we navigate these difficult financial times, we approach you with humble hearts, asking you to be as generous as you can. Despite our best efforts, parish collections have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, while our expenses continue to rise. Your financial support is essential to sustain our mission here in midtown Manhattan.

We invite you to support our mission as we work to preserve our beloved sanctuary — to provide a spiritual home for all who seek peace, purpose, and inspiration through the Eucharist, homilies, and in Reconciliation; music, Adult Education Courses, other programs and ministries, or merely find a quiet place. These simple acts renew our spirits, open our hearts to receive the Christ Child and allow the true meaning of Christmas to guide our lives.

This Christmas, let us bring the spirit of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem into our homes, neighborhoods, and parish churches — especially here at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi!

I close with a stanza from the famous poem by Madeline Sweeny Miller “How Far to Bethlehem” who also believes we should bring the spirit of Bethlehem to our homes.

It isn’t far to Bethlehem Town!
It’s anywhere that Christ comes down
And finds in people’s friendly face
A welcome and abiding place.
The road to Bethlehem runs right through
The homes of folks like me and you.

On behalf of our Franciscan friars and staff of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, I wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year!

Blessings to you,

Father Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor

Blessed Are You Who Believe

Jesus breathed air just like us. He walked under the same sun. He needed food and clean water. We are called to clear a path for him to come again. Do we really want him to find people starving on a beach wasted with plastic and dead fish?

In this time of active waiting, we are pregnant with a jubilee tradition. 2025 will be a time to forgive debt, rest the land, and slow down production and consumption. May our hearts overcome our throwaway culture of indifference and self-interest. Instead, let us share our possessions and care about strangers. Let our time and our smiles be the gifts we give. For the sake of our common home, will you commit to doing something differently? Blessed are you who say yes.

To be made flesh is the glory of humanity. It means that we are teachable, malleable, and full of possibility. — Joan Chittister

To learn more about the Laudato Si Circle at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, email [email protected].

The next in-person meeting of the Laudato Si Circle will be Thursday, December 26th 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the St. Francis House. All are welcome.

Stop Collecting More Than What Is Prescribed

Pope Francis talks about the need to “break with the logic of selfishness… a world of exacerbated consumption is at the same time a world which mistreats life in all its forms.”

Caring about the climate crisis is not a new and radical idea that started with Pope Francis. It is an essential part of Catholic social teaching, not an optional add-on. What might be radical is our understanding that everything is interconnected and that caring for the Earth is linked to caring for others. God is near. We don’t need to collect more than what is prescribed.

Many people know that our current progress and the mere amassing of things and pleasures are not enough to give meaning and joy to the human heart, yet they feel unable to give up what the market sets before them. Pope Francis — (LS209)

To learn more about the Laudato Si Circle at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, email [email protected].

The next in-person meeting of the Laudato Si Circle will be Thursday, December 26th 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the St. Francis House. All are welcome.

“Look to the East and See Your Children”

Some day this week, get up extra early while it’s still dark. Sit in the dark and wait. Watch the way God’s light comes into the world — slowly and generously.

Let this be our cue to slow down, consume less, and conserve more for our children and for those who will come after us. Let this be our new tradition, to unplug a little more each day. Take advantage of the dark to enjoy a few hours of living by candlelight. Meditate on the beauty of lights in windows and on trees.

Come Emmanuel! Make us ever more hopeful people for a hopeful planet. Let us be part of Your light of hope to the world. — from the Laudato Si advent prayer

To learn more about the Laudato Si Circle at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, email [email protected].

The next in-person meeting of the Laudato Si Circle will be Thursday, December 26th 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the St. Francis House. All are welcome.