Comfort and solace on the ‘Longest Night’
A man lights candles on the Advent wreath during the “Mass of the Longest Night,” held Dec. 21 at St. Peter Church in downtown Charlotte, in order to give those experiencing grief, loneliness and other difficult times during the holidays a chance to find spiritual comfort. (Christina Lee Knauss | Catholic News Herald)CHARLOTTE — The days before Christmas can be a joyful whirlwind of events and preparations for many people, but for people who are going through difficult times, it may be more difficult to see the joys. St. Peter Church in downtown Charlotte offered a special Mass Dec. 21 meant just for these people.
Called the “Mass of the Longest Night,” the evening featured reflective hymns, prayers and readings selected to offer comfort and solace to those experiencing grief, illness, loneliness or other painful events during the Christmas season.
The Mass was offered on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. “Longest Night” services have been a tradition on the solstice for a while in Protestant churches and are just now starting to catch on among Catholics.
“For those grieving, lonely or longing for something during this season, this is an avenue to make space for care and compassion for those emotionally having a difficult time this holiday,” said Jesuit Father Tim Stephens, St. Peter's pastor and celebrant for the Mass. “Making room for sadness around Christmas is not new. We’re in the season of Advent, which is the season of waiting for a Savior. Although in this season of light our hearts may be veiled in sadness and shadow, the light will shine in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it.”
The Mass was attended by couples, groups of friends, and people on their own. Elements throughout the service offered perspective on dealing with difficult times, including special reflections as each candle of the Advent wreath was lit.
Instead of a monetary offertory, people were invited to write their cares, burdens, concerns and other prayer requests on sheets of paper and place them in a basket. The basket was brought up with the bread and wine and placed near the altar before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After Communion, the church lights were dimmed and people prayed silently and sang “Silent Night.”
Deacon Jim Bozik, who was one of the organizers of the event, reflected on the evening’s theme in his homily. He encouraged attendees to rely on their faith and realize God’s presence even in bleak times.
“We can live with our sorrows and joys as long as we have faith that Jesus will never abandon us,” Deacon Bozik said. “No matter what challenges come our way, we can stand on the Word of God and the love of Jesus to see us through. God brings us these winters of the spirit as a necessary step to the next spring. While we are in them, it can feel like God is absent, but wait for God and He will come. That is the message of Advent – there is One who is waiting to be with us.”
One woman who did not want to give her name said the Mass was a gift for her spirit after she experienced a difficult year with many life-altering events.
“This meant so much to me because it helped me to remember to just have faith,” she said. “We’re all going to experience loss and illness in our lives, and it’s important to remember to stop and think and be intentional about how we live our lives as a result.”
— Christina Lee Knauss