Dear Friend, 

The final day of Advent, Christmas Eve, will shortly be upon us. As a Catholic, what are your plans for that day? 

I would like to share how Saints Padre Pio, Maximillian Kolbe, John Paul II and Faustina observed Christmas Eve in their native countries, Italy and Poland. You may consider adding some of their customs to your Christmas Eve plans. First of all, they always observed Christmas Eve as a day of fasting and abstinence from meat until after the Midnight Holy Mass. Many Catholics still follow that tradition. 

In Italy, a meatless Christmas Eve meal called “La Vigilia” was prepared and served as a Christmas Eve tradition. The Italian-Americans call it the Feast of the Seven Fishes, although some families have been known to serve nine, ten or twelve fish.

The significance in the number of fishes served:

~ Seven – the time it took Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem (seven days), the seven sacraments, the seven deadly sins, seven virtues, the seven days of creation, the seventh day of rest - from the Bible.

~ Nine refers to the Holy Trinity, multiplied by three. 

~ Ten – designating the Stations of the Cross, until the time Jesus is nailed to the Cross.

~ Twelve – symbolizing the number of Jesus’ Apostles.

Poland’s Christmas Eve is known as “Wigilia” which means to “wait for the Christ Child.” It begins when the first star appears in the sky. A thin layer of hay is placed under the white tablecloth, where the meal will be served, in memory of the baby Jesus in the manger. An extra place is set at the table for an unexpected visitor. The traditional Christmas Eve supper always begins with the Gospel reading St. Luke: 2,1-14, followed by family prayer, along with the breaking and sharing of the opłatek, which are thin wafers, stamped with scenes of the Nativity - very similar to Holy Communion hosts (see photo below). Usually, they are blessed by a Priest. Each one at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity in Christ. Then, the Wigilia meal-supper begins, with traditionally meatless dishes, a delightfully festive meal. At the end of the supper, carols are sung and presents are exchanged. The family celebration culminates in the Christmas Mass - the Eucharistic Meal at the Pasterka (Midnight or Shepherd's Holy Mass).

St. Padre Pio had a deep love for Christmas and the Baby Jesus. Eye-witnesses have written about seeing the Baby Jesus in the saint’s arms. When people were seeking his prayers at Christmas, Padre Pio sometimes handed them a picture of the Infant Jesus of Prague and blessed it. He told them that Christmas was very suitable for asking for graces and to entrust everything to the Child Jesus.

As you and your loved ones come to Holy Mass on Christmas Eve, kneel before the Christ Child. Follow Padre Pio’s advice. Give Him your heart, while His outstretched little hand of mercy will fill you with many blessings.

Very sincerely yours as we await the birth of the Infant King,

Thomas McKenna

Founder and President

Catholic Action For Faith And Family
http://www.catholicaction.org/

P.S. Oplatki photo source: Jasna Gora Press Office