GARY – The Nativity of the Lord, Christmas, offers believers the “fulfilment of all fulfilments” and, further, the graces of a relationship with God incarnate.
At the vigil Mass on Christmas Eve, Bishop Robert J. McClory told a large group of faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels that the birth of the infant Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament and heralds the beginning of world-changing presence of a historical figure that puts the Christian faith above the realm of enlightenment or mythology.
The bishop complimented transitional Deacon Ivan Alatorre, who proclaimed "the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham," from Mt 1:1-25, which includes some difficult-to-pronounce names.
“It’s not a litany of perfect saints ... rather, it is a narrative that is perfect because 14 (generations) is a couplet of seven, and seven is a number of perfection,” Bishop McClory said in his homily on December 24. “Now we get to receive this grace of Jesus. It all took place to fulfill the beautiful prophecy, that the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and He shall be named Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’
Bishop McClory continued, “We have a loving God who delights in us, who doesn’t want us to be abandoned, who doesn't want us to feel forsaken, who doesn't want to feel alone and desolate, but who knows what we need and who loves us."
As we live out the Great Commission, the diocesan shepherd said Catholics can remain close to the Lord in the Eucharist and in the merciful dynamic of His redemption.
“We are imperfect and flawed, and that doesn’t stop God from loving us. We can’t save ourselves ... (God) sent his son Jesus, who gave His life for us, who offered Himself up for us. Through His death and resurrection and our faith in Him, and our living out our mission that He has given us, we are living a life not separate from God, but with God,” said Bishop McClory.
Mass-goers and Holy Angels parishioners George and Sandy Roldan said closeness is a hallmark of their family activities around Christmastime.
“With our yearly family traditions for Christmas, we gather all together – our dinner is ready for tomorrow,” said George Roldan.
Recalling that Jesus was born in a manger without many material luxuries, the Roldans said the challenge is to live one’s life while recognizing the less fortunate right here, right now.
“Those are the things that are important at this time. Everyday we live, we realize we’re so fortunate. (Sometimes) we’re in our comfort zone and not thinking about others, the ones who don’t have,” George Roldan explained.
Cathedral pastor and rector Father Michael Surufka, O.F.M., said he was happy to see a large number of local residents and others visiting from throughout the diocese at the Christmas Eve liturgy.
“It’s a real blessing because the cathedral is everyone’s church,” said Father Surufka. “A lot of people come here for the very first time ... they are just so delighted. On an occasion like this, celebrating Christmas or other special events gives people a reason to come. And everybody leaves and is happy that they made the extra little journey.”
A cappella prelude carols were sung by the children of the Ahern family, while sacred music direction for the Mass, including the soaring finale of “Joy to the World” was provided by David Herr.
Tyseray Preston of Gary helped fill the cathedral with sound as she reprised her choir participation from last Christmas. For the young woman, her vocal performance was like returning a gift – one that keeps giving.
“It’s more like I’m singing to Christ and, of course, Mother Mary, and Father Joseph," Preston said. “You get peace, and you can actually enjoy the Christmas spirit and kind of take it with you for the rest of the year.”
Pastries and beverages were served in the cathedral annex, which allowed visitors to join in the merriment of the yuletide with fellow Catholics.
The young adult and teen members of the Torres family – Constance and Christopher, 16 – recalled the family’s first visit to the seat of the diocese last Christmas. They gave the building good reviews.
"I like the architecture; it’s very medieval and it gives off a strong vibe, like it’s a very strong building,” said Christopher Torres, a Lake Central High School of St. John student.
Joining their parents over snacks after Mass, Constance Torres said she was ready to roll into the new year. “It’s good to look back on the year and make new goals, slight changes for the new one. I’m ready for it.”
Deacon Ivan Alatorre, who anticipates being ordained as a priest for the diocese in June, said he is happy to step up to new duties and share a hopeful message.
“There’s a lot more responsibilities,” explained Deacon Alatorre, who was set to preach a Christmas morning Mass in Spanish at St. Joseph the Worker, also in Gary. “Being able to serve (in the cathedral,) it’s a high altar serving. Getting to proclaim the Gospel was a beautiful thing, with all the Hebrew names.”
Some of the content of the deacon’s homily would be an analysis of the Christmas standard “Go Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” He said the song is a contrast of the power of evil and the power of Christ who is a light “and the darkness does not overcome it, as John’s Gospel says."
Caption: Bishop Robert J. McClory incenses nativity scene statuary displayed near the sanctuary as Deacon Ivan Alatorre (right) watches at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary during Christmas Vigil Mass on the evening of Dec. 24. Bishop McClory presided at the Mass, which featured beautiful vocal and musical performances, and reminded believers that Bethlehem means "House of Bread," and that from the place of Jesus' birth to the present, Catholics nourish themselves on the Bread of Life. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)