TrulyGrace

Dusk, SAT 04 JAN 2020 to SUN 05 JAN 2020

SAT 04 JAN 2020- Started cleaning out a box of files today. BDay card for my neighbor, RF. Ready for a Skype interchange with a newcomer to the Burgh, then for an afternoon with KN at Mass and a choral concert.
We arrived so early that we were there before the priest who helped celebrate the Mass! We parked, then took lots of photos of the church, the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Polish Hill. Z Leszczynski and Marietta Trent had invited us. I had been in the church 3 times before---twice for the Epiphany Mass and the concert after, and once to sing at Maggie and Ken's wedding with Jen---all during Christmastide, when the decorations were in full flourish.
There were at least 2 full creches/belens/ Nativity scenes. One sported poinsettias, the Eastern Star, and the Little Drummer Boy. The main altar was surrounded with fir trees, all decorated with fine lights, and the high cupola of the dome had 4 garlands with lights suspended from it, above the highest stained glass windows,  cascading down. One lit garland ended at the pulpit. There were mini street lights on every 3rd pew row or so. One of the altars was dedicated to the Infant Jesus of Prague. One statue was of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus,with a quote, "I will spend my Heaven doing good upon Earth. I will let fall a shower of roses."
I greeted Fr Nick Vascov before Mass. He celebrated Mass for the full church. There was a priest concelebrating with him, and 2 altar servers.

The Mass was followed by a concert of Traditional Polish Christmas carols, presented by the Karuzela Chorus of Pittsburgh, directed by Dr. Neil Stahurski, who also occasionally accompanied the group on keyboard. Mary-Ann Warholak accompanied on keyboard, Debbie Frauenholz accompanied on violin. The group performed 16 Christmas carols, with only a short break for a free-will collection after a piece in which Margie Gowaty was the lovely soprano soloist. Later in the program, the group performed
"Hymn Bozego Narodzenia" , which shares a tune with "O Holy Night,"

and the last piece was sang by all present. The only members of the choir who did not use sheet music were the handful of children, who sang a few pieces at the beginning and at the end of the program. Fr Nick was seen to be taking photos and/or recording video of the concert.
After the concert, we met up with J and LP, LS (who said that Cristi was there for the Mass), and Margie. Photo ops!
Chatted via Skype with Rafi F.

SUN 05 JAN 2020- Stopped by after 14.00 to say hello to Rose F for her 100th birthday party. Mano po'ed Rose, then explained the tradition to her. Chatted with Judi and with Bettina. Sat and ate lemon cake with  Claire G and Nancy W. Chatted with JAH via phone.

posted by Grace @ 1/05/2020 06:55:00 PM