Jesus must be at the centre of all Christmas celebrations, Monsignor Rossi reminds residents
By Laureen McMahon
The B.C. Catholic
VANCOUVER--On the dark and chilly evening of Dec. 6, Vancouver’s Columbus Residence seniors, staff, volunteers, and families, as well as Knights of Columbus members, waited in great anticipation in the cosy lounge for the annual Knights’ Light Up For Christ ceremony to begin.
With the flick of a switch at 8 p.m., all eyes turned toward the courtyard now illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights. A large star twinkled overhead and life-size figures of the Holy Family and shepherds in the nativity scene shone in the darkness.
Light Up For Christ is celebrated annually wherever there are Knights of Columbus. The purpose is to remind everyone to keep Christ in Christmas.
Guest speaker Msgr. Bernard Rossi elaborated on the theme of Christ being at the centre of Christmas.
“It’s all about Jesus,” said the pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Burnaby. “If anything is going to promote our humanity and everything good in our humanity, we start with Jesus.”
Lighting the Advent wreath and putting up Christmas lights, he said, “are all about Jesus.
“Whether here at this building or around our homes, we light the way for Jesus. It is a display of our will to open our hearts to Him and to welcome Him.”
Msgr. Rossi explained that he was chaplain of the Knights Council 1081 when the idea of building Columbus Residence was first broached.
“At that time it seemed an impossible dream, but thanks to the dedication of so many people and the determination of the Knights and everyone who contributed, the dream is now reality.”
Turning on lights at Christmas, Msgr. Rossi told the residents, lets the world know that we welcome Jesus.
“Christ is the Light of the World, and all these beautiful lights, including the candles, speak to us of Jesus. He is the light Who gives us new hope, Who gives us the daring to face a humanity that is so often filled with sorrow, with anxieties, and troubles, in a world which is longing for God but doesn’t know where to look for Him.
“Jesus shows us the way. He is the way, and His way is the light of truth, and truth is light for all of us. He is the truth which sets us free and gives us direction and a sense of meaning.”
Candles give fire as well as light, added Msgr. Rossi.
“It is the fire of charity. Christ lights the fire of charity in our hearts. Why do we have Columbus Residence and all the Columbus charities and all the other charities? It is because of Jesus alive in us. We have welcomed Him and we want to let the world know He is making a difference in our lives and a difference in our world.”
The world does not always welcome the revelation that we are motivated by Christ for everything we do, said Msgr. Rossi.
“People are afraid that we might encroach on them. But Jesus is no threat, and those who believe in Jesus can be no threat because He is the light of truth and the fire of love.”
Columbus Residence was founded 21 years ago by the Knights. They have remained active on the board of directors and continue to provide assistance in many ways, said Columbus board chairman Ted Hawthorne.
“Tonight I thank the Knights, Squires, Squirettes, and family members, and staff and volunteers who helped decorate our courtyard, and those who lit the Advent wreath.”
“Light Up For Christ is a really special event for us,” said Columbus administrator Dale Clements. “This has been a year of successes and challenges, although I’ve decided to change ‘challenges’ to ‘adventures.’”
Clements gave special thanks to those who worked hard this year to fundraise for the residence so that its many programs could continue.
Christmas carols were sung by Maria Miceli accompanied by Nora Gemino on piano.
The Advent wreath was lit by residents Mary Biasutti, Margaret Dawson, Leo Jacamirsky, and Jim Fairman.
Each year environmental services manager Inder Malawarair organizes the Christmas lighting with the help of volunteers.
Ceremonies concluded, guests joined the residents at a reception in the dining room.
