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December 20, 2024On Sunday, December 8th, the Washington Community welcomed approximately sixty attendees to a reverent Advent Vespers Celebration held in the Holy Redeemer Provincial Residence chapel. The chapel, which was filled to a comfortable capacity, brought together friends, colleagues, and long-time acquaintances of the resident Community, including connections to the earlier student-professor community.
The service was a beautifully curated program of sung chants accompanied on piano by Confrere Fr. Kevin O’Neil, C.Ss.R., with exquisite violin accompaniment by Jennifer Himes. Fr. Francis Gargani, C.Ss.R. offered the reflection, while Fr. John Collins, C.Ss.R., Provincial, served as cantor. Fr. Denis Sweeney, C.Ss.R. warmly welcomed the gathering while Fr. John Olenik, C.Ss.R. offered the petitions. It truly was a community effort by the confreres in Washington, DC. The program was rich with a sense of kindheartedness and grace.
This special evening provided a gentle pause amidst the holiday season’s hustle and bustle—a time for reflection, contemplative prayer, and stillness. The service was deeply appreciated by all who attended, as they experienced moments of beauty and quiet joy together. †
