Immaculate Conception Parish lights up the night with readings, carols

As darkness fell on Sunday, Dec. 8, thousands of white lights on hundreds of Christmas trees on the campus of the Church of the Immaculate Conception illuminated the Somerville sky, giving witness to the coming birth of Jesus Christ. The tree lighting, blessed by parish pastor and director of schools Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, followed an afternoon program of contemplative music and readings for Advent at the church. 

In his reflection during the program inside the church, Msgr. Celano recalled the appearance of Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, to St. Juan Diego in December, 1531. He described a man who, like most of us, thought himself too little to accomplish what he was being called to do. “None of us is unimportant,” Msgr. Celano said. “Even the smallest of lights has power to turn back the dark night. So tonight, through word, song and prayer, we light the night, knowing we look to heaven to accomplish what we cannot do on our own.”

The Advent Festival of Readings and Carols featured more than 70 performers in children and adult vocal choirs, handbell ensemble, and on accompanying instruments. The parish program began 20 years ago; this year’s program of readings and songs was built around the theme of Mary’s role in salvation history. “The readings took us from Creation, through the fall of Adam, to the prophesy of the Messiah, and the Ark as described in Revelation, culminating in the Annunciation and Mary’s ‘yes’ and her visitation to Elizabeth,” explained the parish’s Director of Sacred Music Gary Gavula. 

Maureen and Jim Wilson of Raritan attend the program every year. “Attending Readings and Carols at Immaculate Conception Church is our yearly tradition,” Maureen said, “and one that we eagerly look forward to each year. The spiritual music and beautiful singing help us to focus on the significance of Advent in our lives.” As the program concluded, she added, “We felt that the readings selected were rich in meaning for the season.”

The dedication of the members of the music ministry was evident in the intricate harmonies and the vocal precision. For some, the program is an annual highlight. Caitlin Van Eck has been a member of the handbell ensemble since she was a student at Immaculate Conception School. She is now the mother of four children, two of whom flanked her on the choir stand as she rang “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” with the ensemble. Her husband, Grant Van Eck, was among the readers for the program. 

“Ringing as part of this special program helps me to start the Advent season on the right note,” she said. “I love that we can share the art of handbells with the larger parish community, especially those who are not as familiar with our program.”

As the program inside the church concluded, Msgr. Celano led the assembly out to the courtyard outside the church and Immaculate Conception School, overflowing with Christmas trees dedicated by the parish family to loved ones and special intentions. The Immaculata High School band serenaded the large group gathered in the cold night with Christmas carols. 

“Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine these trees,” Msgr. Celano prayed, continuing, “May the light and cheer they give be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in these trees come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.” 

This is the seventh year during which the parish has offered families the opportunity to dedicate Christmas trees. Last year, for the first time, the Christmas cheer spread up Mountain Avenue to Immaculata High School, where high school families and business partners also dedicated a group of trees. 

As the program concluded, Msgr. Celano borrowed from the Old Testament as he said, “Let there be light!” And with that – after a short, slightly tense delay – lights on the 300 trees lit simultaneously, giving bold witness in the night sky to the great anticipation for the coming birth of Jesus Christ.