Christ is born

While many in the Latin-rite Church celebrated the Epiphany today, this evening, the Eastern Church begins the celebration of the liturgical season of Christmas.  As is their tradition, parishioners at the local Ukrainian Catholic Church gathered tonight to celebrate.  Others who are celebrating Christmas tonight include the various branches of the Eastern Orthodox Chuch and the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church.

Present at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom were a number of the Latin-rite priests of the city.  This was a rare opportunity for us to celebrate together.  In the words of one of the Ukrainian priests, it takes such a celebration as this to bring the priests of the city together.

As we moved through the celebration of this liturgy, I couldn't help noticing the language of this Eastern liturgy, and how similar the wording is to the revised language of the Latin-rite Mass.  In reality, this was a moment for all of us present to realize that when we are given such opportunities for celebrating together, we can better appreciate the beauty, the diversity and the rich heritage that is ours in faith.

Christ is Born!  Let us adore Him!