JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Throughout the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, parishes and schools hosted events that helped their public experience more profoundly the sacred mystery of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. The Advent season of preparation prepared the way with Advent candles and missions. Christmas was celebrated with pageants and the sharing of gifts with the children and the needy. More photographs can be found on pages 12-13.

Joseph and a pregrant Mary on a donkey brought the Christmas story to life for passersby outside Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Christmas Eve.

Fr. Mark Mary Cristina of EWTN celebrated Sunday Mass on December 9-10 and led an Advent Mission at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on December 11-13.

Three kings brought presents to the baby Jesus in the Christmas pageant at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix on Christmas Eve.

Hugo Bastida of Florida helped sort out the gifts donated by Toys for Tots to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

on St. John.