Jazz Brunch

The question is simply: So how exactly do you celebrate Christmas over in Rome?

Well it is different! Many of the traditions are the same. We decorate Christmas trees on each corridor, we have a big Christmas party and dinner, and set up a a precepe in the chapel. It is different though being away from family. This is good preparation for the priesthood though when most Christmases will be spent away from the family. Some things are also unique to Rome. First of all is midnight Mass with the Pope at Saint Peter's (I will make sure to post pictures of that one). It is not just that. Seminary life changes. On the last day of classes many of the men empty out of the house and head to all sorts of place to travel for a few weeks. Some make it all the way to South Africa and others only make it to Norcia (a short train ride away).

Over the years a certain cycle of celebrations has developed at NAC to remind us of the season. The first of these is the Jazz Brunch. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures. On the first Saturday of December the student kitchen is overtaken with a number of priest and seminarians. Some are cooking, some a plucking the strings on the string bass, and others are singing jazz-fied Christmas carols. (I was the official pancake flipper).

This kicks off the holiday season, and is also a great community builder. If I can round-up some pictures I will make sure to post them.

(re-post Dec. 7)