Miraculously, for the second year in a row, the Oratory of the Immaculate Heart of Mary celebrated the Christmas season in their present location. Christmas was preceded by the celebration of the Rorate Caeli Mass for three mornings in a row. This Mass is traditionally celebrated just before dawn in Advent as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass is only lit by candles, representing Mary's role in bringing the Light of the World into the darkness of the world.
Our Christmas midnight Mass was preceded by Christmas carols that were sung by the choir and the congregation in preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. Then, at midnight, the Christ Child was carried in by Canon Ueda and placed in the manger. We then proceeded to the midnight Mass in celebration of the birth of Our Lord and Savior. At the end of the mass everyone venerated the baby Jesus who became man to be among us. Two more Masses were offered in celebration of the Holy Babe: one at dawn and another sung Mass at 11:15am.
St Joseph and Blessed Virgin Mary looked for an inn in the town but they could not find any room. So Our Lord was born in a humble stable. Our Apostolate also looked for a home in the busy downtown area of San Jose. The only room we found was a simple office building, only a couple blocks away from Santana Row where modern restaurants and stores attract those looking for happiness. Because this building now houses Our Lord, body, blood, soul and divinity, it is more precious than any of the surrounding worldly attractions. May Our Lord give light and joy to those who are still looking for His holy presence in the heart of Silicon Valley!!!
