Christmas at the Mount

It was a truly wonderful day for a Christmas pageant!

On the second Sunday of Advent, our family journeyed to Mount Saint Francis Retreat Centre in Cochrane for their annual Christmas Pageant - Christmas at Greccio, Christmas at the Mount..  ​The festive atmosphere instantly transported me to a scene from a classic Christmas movie, with bonfires, lovely nativity scenes, children playing in snow, and magical sleigh rides under a dusting of fresh snow.

After a glorious sleigh ride that left my toddler bubbling with giggles and a toasty cup of hot chocolate, chiming bells signalled the start of the Christmas pageant. Families, friars, and little ones walked towards the outdoor pavilion. It was a joy to watch the faithful of our Diocese coming together, living their faith and celebrating the arrival of Christ our Saviour. This collective journey towards faith and encountering God's unchanging love echoed the historic pilgrimage to the first nativity reenactment in Greccio, Italy, 800 years ago.

St. Francis of Assisi's deep love for the infant Jesus and the redemptive act of God becoming a baby inspired him to recreate that humble scene from Bethlehem. In 1223, fires lit the dark as people arrived with torches and candles at a dark cave in Greccio and gathered around a young family, live animals, and a manger. Francis held the child in his arms, preached the Gospel and mass was celebrated over the babe in the crib. The faithful returned home with their hearts renewed in the Lord and the Christmas creche found a place in our hearts and in our lives.

Here at The Mount, the words "Bambino of Bethlehem" resounded as young actors from Holy Spirit Catholic School breathed life into the story, evoking audience interaction and excitement. The poignant storytellers, the impressive young choir and the actors brought grace and depth to the story while the spirited 11-year old Francis brought the intricacies of the story at Greccio to light. His monologue towards the end of the pageant called everyone's attention to the true spirit of Christmas – the Bambino of Bethlehem – God with us! - and Jesus’ message of love, peace and light. The enthralled audience, shifting in their seats to catch glimpses of the Holy Family, left me with a renewed hope for the Church, especially at this special time of Renewal in the Diocese. 

​From the renewal of the Christmas story 800 years ago to this year's pageant, this tradition serves as a timeless spiritual awakening.. Christmas at The Mount is my new favourite tradition and I am looking forward to bringing my family to the manger for years to come.

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Submitted by Cecilia DMello. Cecilia lives in Calgary with her husband Neil and her two-year old daughter Azaelea. She attends St. Joseph's Parish in Calgary and is passionate about bringing young families to/back to Christ. She enjoys reading, painting, crocheting and hiking.

​Photos courtesy of Cecilia DMello.​