Unusually cold this morning, with the wind whipping around the corner of South Broadway and St. Mary's Street. As I sat in what has become my usual pew those who passed hugged, kissed and patted the much loved Lidia, parish matriarch and mother of Izzy. I was greeted with waves, smiles and handshakes as well. As the parishioners began arriving some of them would walk up to the altar and put a small statue of the child Jesus, some of them seated on little chairs or thrones. A young teen altar server at one point bobbed a quick genuflection and sprinted across the altar to vest for the procession at the last minute
A mother, father and toddler dressed as Jesus, Mary and Joseph joined the procession followed by a very young angel with her white wings outside her white winter coat. I was lucky enough to have them sit across the aisle from me. Seeing the Holy Family in the flesh throughout the Mass really brought the Incarnation to life. The young boy was adorable, looking around and taking it all in. Mary and Joseph took turns rocking him, bouncing him and giving him something to gnaw on. No need to imagine the daily life of the Holy Family.
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