91����

On the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas, 91����, New England, honored Advent with a traditional Lessons and Carols service in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel.

As it grew dark that evening, students, faculty and families made their way through the snow to the Chapel, guided by the candles bordering the frozen walkway. Inside, the Chapel was warm and illuminated by soft candlelight.

The service of nine Lessons and Carols — dating back to the 19th century, when it originated in Cambridge, England — began with a solemn procession of torch-bearing student acolytes, followed by Head Chaplain Rev. Greg Markey. As they processed in, members of the 91���� Choir, directed by Matthew Santos (’26), sang the “Cantique de Jean Racine,” accompanied by students playing the organ, cello, and oboe.

Throughout the evening, the choir treated attendees to traditional carols and beautiful polyphonic pieces. Between each carol, members of the student body and faculty read lessons from Sacred Scripture, beginning with Creation in Genesis and coming to glorious fulfillment and conclusion with the Nativity in the Gopsel of Matthew. The service closed with Eucharistic Adoration, benediction, and the hymn, “O Come, Divine Messiah,” sung by all in attendance. “I truly felt like I was at the gates of heaven,” said choir member Sophia Forrester (’29).

Afterward, everyone reconvened at St. Frassati Student Center to enjoy hot chocolate and refreshments. “The Chapel with the candles and incense felt so ethereal,” remarked Fiona McNeil (’29). “The choir’s performance brings such a beautiful solemnity to Advent.” Agreed Stefano Gamba (’28): “Outstanding performance! The choir did a great job, and had wonderful direction by Matthew Santos.” 

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