WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — It was a small gathering Friday night in the side yard of Our Lady of Grace Catholic School for the lighting of the school’s Christmas tree.
School principal TJ O’Grady emceed the event.
“This tree is a blessing of our home,” he said. “It reminds us of all that is beautiful, all that is filled with the gentleness and the promise of God. It stands in our midst as a tree of light that we might promise such beauty to one another and to our world.
“It stands like that tree of paradise that God made into the tree of life, the cross of Jesus.”
As the lights were plugged in and the darkness dispelled, the crowd sang O Christmas Tree.
People had an opportunity to purchase lights and ornaments to honour or in memory of a loved one. The names were read aloud by Nash Beakley, Cindy Giroux, Sandra Ventress, Louise Byce and Zachery Hula-Sicoli.
As various songs were sung, Joey Sicoli accompanied the crowd on his guitar.
Following the short ceremony, those attending were invited into the school for hot chocolate.
Mr. O’Grady noted they raised just over $630 for the Palliative Care Unit.
The tree will light up each night until after the New Year.
