Letters

Celebrating the Simple

Posted

In New York, where we are used to everything big, we celebrated the humble and simple. We had a tree lighting in the South Bronx on Dec. 5. It wasn’t Rockefeller Center with a giant tree; it was 150th Street and Third Avenue with a fine 20-foot tree. It wasn’t across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral; it was down the block from Immaculate Conception Church. We didn’t have pop stars who have sold millions of CDs singing. We had a choir of Sister Francis’ and Sister Melissa’s students from the school and religious education program wearing all types of Santa Claus hats. We had a public prayer and blessing from our pastor, Father Frank Skelly, C.Ss.R., and we had no protests or complaints or lawsuits about public prayer and a Christmas blessing. It wasn’t an exclusive banquet and dinner; we had hot cocoa and cookies for all. The kids did not get the latest video games as gifts but seemed just as happy with being together, taking free photos with Santa and pony rides. We sang “Joy to the World,” “Pastores a Belen” and “Silent Night,” with verses in English, Spanish and German. People of all faiths, colors and backgrounds were in attendance. We celebrated the Christmas message, “Peace on earth, good will to all peoples.” 

Thanks to Mario Degiorgio and the Third Ave. Business Improvement District, Younglands Dept. Store, Immaculate Conception Church and all the people who made it such a wonderful afternoon for the children and families of our Bronx community. In these times, when violence, shootings and fear grab everyone’s attention, we need these local witnesses of love, faith and light more than ever. From our little corner of New York, we wish everyone in our city and world a blessed Christmas and mercy and healing in 2016.

Francine and Marty Rogers

Bronx