For many years I have played the Christmas Midnight Mass at the local hospice. It has always been a moving occasion with many of the congregation knowing that this is probably their last Christmas on earth. This year, the head nun announced that there wouldn't be a Mass on Christmas Eve. The reason: the chaplain would have to celebrate both Masses on Christmas Day and as the next day was Sunday he would have to say all the Sunday Masses as well. I was deeply shocked that such a traditional celebration as the Midnight Christmas Mass should be cancelled at the personal convenience of the Chaplain. Midnight Mass means so much to so many people, particularly the dying, and I couldn't understand why such a venerable and ancient part of the Christmas tradition should be abandoned for an entirely selfish reason.
The rest is for supporters
Support Colin Mawby's Knowledge Archive
Get lifetime access to decades of musical expertise and help preserve this invaluable knowledge for future generations.
