Christmas at Santa Rita Abbey 2016

The Christmas Season is so beautiful, so meaningful. We hope you and your loved ones had a special one! We are composing this journal entry on the last day of the Christmas Season, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 9th this year. Here are some glimpses of Christmas at Santa Rita we hope you will enjoy.

Christmas Eve morning Mass, surrounded by half set-up Christmas decorations

Blessing of the Christmas Tree before Vespers on Christmas Eve

The Office of Christmas Vigils at 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve

O come, let us adore Him!

Meanwhile, outside it was snowing! A white Christmas!

Midnight Mass

A quiet, candle-lit snack afterwards

View of Cistercian Altar Breads and art studios buildings early on Christmas morning

Lauds, morning prayer, on Christmas morning

The abbey church in the fresh now just after sunrise

Christmas Day Mass: Sr Jacqui proclaiming the first reading

Sr. Nettie proclaimed the second reading

Fr. Casimir giving the homily after proclaiming the Gospel

Christmas Day Mass: Fr. Casimir praying the Eucharistic prayer

Backyard view of the church

The Santa Rita Mountains stayed shrouded in clouds all day

The Retreat House in its Christmas snow blanket

Christmas dinner with all the Sisters, Fr. Casimir, and our monastic neighbors, the Brothers of Erlac Monastery

Sr. Jacqui and Fr. Casimir enjoying the conversation at Christmas dinner