Real Estate Matters
Red and white lights illuminated hundreds of Christmas trees surrounding Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish Church on Route 9, also known as Saint Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church in Northfield.
On Saturday night, Dec. 13, after 4:30 p.m. Mass, a tree lighting ceremony took place as hundreds gathered together, many coming from far and wide, for blessings, celebration, yummy hot chocolate, delicious cookies and Nancy Sara’s hot apple cider.
They came to see their family trees brought to life, decorated in remembrance of a loved one, or to honor a departed family member. Many took time to lovingly decorate their own tree, making each one unique and special.
This beautiful tradition was started in 2017 by Rev. Anthony J. Manuppella, who became pastor of Saint Gianna’s in 2016, as a fundraiser for the church, and a way to bring remembrance and beauty to the community during Christmastime.
Parishioners are happy to welcome Father Anthony back, as he will be returning home on Dec. 18 for Christmas after recuperation from health issues – a true Christmas miracle.
This year there are some 200 trees. Each is decorated in loving memory of a loved one.
A special thanks to Claudia, Anne, Miss Lee, Barb, Chris, and Nancy Sara Palmentieri Norton, and her family, for all of their tireless work to make the event a success, and to create a Christmas miracle for all to see and enjoy.
It is quite a sight, and it takes the efforts of many people to put it all together. It is wonderful to see and know that each tree represents the love and life of our loved ones gone before us, and a memorial to the angels among us.
This is shared with love and in honor of all the families who have a special tree this year, keeping cherished memories alive at Christmas time, and always in our hearts.
My special family tree this year is dedicated:
“In loving memory of our angels in heaven (my mom and dad), Grace and William Eagan III, Marie and Frederick Becker Sr., Mimi Buyse, Princess Rose (our fur baby) and Bailey Buttons (our grandpuppy),” as requested by Elisa Jo Eagan, Fred Becker Jr., and our family.
May God bless you all with humanity, hope, faith, love, giving and gratitude. It is the little things we can give to each other, like a smile, a hug, a thank you, or a compliment – that warm the heart at any time of year, especially during the holiday season.
