ANNUAL CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION FOR EAST COAST FRIARS,

HOSTED BY AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECT SISTERS,
IRVINGTON, NEW JERSEY,
DECEMBER 30, 2008

Slide Show

That time again! Our gracious AR sisters of Immaculate Conception Convent in Irvington hosted a fantastic Christmas and New Year’s party, packed with fun, food, and plenty of laughs. Fr. Provincial and I were there, along with several of Tagaste’s friars, Fr. Fidel Hernández, and many of St. Nicholas Province’s religious from Union City. As always, the sisters outdid themselves. The menu, consisting of traditional Mexican favorites, filled up the extra-long serving tables. I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t load up his plate (or should I say platter?) a second (or even third) time! Following the terrific meal, we went upstairs to the parlor and enjoyed the customary gift-opening ceremony. Our nuns have not lost their sense of funniness one single bit since our last gathering. Yes, of course, they presented to all of the friars present, some very thoughtful gifts, and we were extremely thankful. On the other hand, being the good-humored pranksters that they are, a few of us also got a funny gag gift. Check out the slide show. You’ll see what I mean!

Then came the highlight of the party: the piñata. It was a multi-colored star splendidly hand-crafted by the sisters. It was not too easy to crack open. It took quite a while to finally succeed. I believe it was Fr. Ramón’s final strike that caused it to nearly burst open. Then, Sister Betty came over and gave it the last little tug it needed. Soon enough, there were hundreds of little candies and other concoctions sprayed across the floor, which we eagerly scooped up!

Thank you, sisters, for being such cordial hosts, and more importantly, loving family to all of us. God bless you.

Fr. Michael Rafferty, OAR