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Welcome to Monday. This year's Nativity scene at the Vatican have caused some adverse reactions, but one NCR commentator loves the whimsical figurines. Most Catholics will spend Christmas in their homes livestreaming Mass, but some dioceses have no restrictions on indoor gatherings. And NCR political columnist Michael Sean Winters reminds us that even if we can't attend Christmas Mass, Christ is never too far away.
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** In defense of the Vatican's 'back to the future' Nativity scene ([link removed])
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"Grotesque." "Demonic." "Weaponized ugliness." These are just some of the reactions to the Nativity scene the Vatican has placed in St. Peter's Square this year.
Even still, Brian Flanagan, associate professor of theology at Marymount University, loves it.
"Like a magically magnified set of Playmobil figurines or more humble clothespin dolls, the figures in this year's display are simple and clear — bodies made of columns, with spheres for their heads," he writes. "There are bright colors, rough textures and whimsical additions: an astronaut, come to bring a moon rock to the Christ child, a centurion called to conversion, a neon light hovering like the mountains over Bethlehem, and a towering angel whose near-translucence allows light through the ribs of its body and its tower-like wings."
You can read more about the scene here ([link removed]) .
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** For Christmas, socially distanced Masses to continue as traditions move online ([link removed])
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A virtual posada; vigils in the early afternoon; tickets for Mass — these are some of the ways dioceses are planning to celebrate the Nativity this year.
In most U.S. cities, COVID-19 restrictions will prevent Catholics from gathering for large cathedral Masses, but indoor, outdoor and livestreamed Masses are still being planned.
But in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for example, Christmas will be celebrated as usual due to no restrictions or limitations set by the state. The only guidelines are set by Bishop Donald DeGrood, such as social distancing requirements left to the discretion of individual pastors, and face masks should be offered at church entrances but are not required.
This despite South Dakota currently having the second-highest COVID-19 cases per capita in the U.S.
Read more of the story here ([link removed]) .
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** More headlines
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* NCR political columnist Michael Sean Winters hopes ([link removed]) everyone who wants to attend Mass and thinks it prudent given their health circumstances will be able to do so this Christmas, but also reminds us that nothing, not even COVID-19, can keep Christ away.
* At Global Sisters Report ([link removed]) , sisters are finding ways to highlight this very different Christmas with the people they minister to and within their own communities.
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** Final thoughts
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It's not too late to join the mailing list for EarthBeat's daily Advent reflections — Simple Advent, Abundant Life ([link removed]) . Sign up to get these daily reflections in your inbox here ([link removed]) .
Until next time,
Stephanie Yeagle
NCR Production/Online Editor
[email protected] (mailto:
[email protected])
Twitter: @ncrSLY ([link removed])
P.S. I'm taking off this week to spend time with my family at home, but look in your inbox for newsletters from engagement editor Brittany Wilmes!
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