“A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar.
Yet in that place, so crude, forlorn, the Hope of all the world was born.”
— Anonymous
Sister Barbara Brown lovingly recreates the little town of Bethlehem beneath the Sisters’ towering Christmas tree at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.
A Thrill of Hope,
the Weary World Rejoices

Where you fear darkness, may you find light.

Where you have worry, may you find peace.

Where you feel weary, may you endure.

As you carry with you our blessings for a Merry Christmas
and a healthy, happy New Year, may all the spaces
in your heart and home be filled with hope.
Christmas in
Our Hearts
Read how our Sisters believe the journey of the Holy Family informs our own struggles today.
It Is in Giving That We Receive
Our Sisters recall their most beloved Christmas presents — ones given and ones received.
Our Wait Is Nearly Over
As part of our outside Christmas display, a large stable is put by the front entrance at Mt. Assisi Place (formerly Mount Assisi Convent). In the stable are placed Mary, Joseph and the crib. Jesus is not put in the crib until it gets closer to Christmas. I happened to be outside right before Christmas when some visitors were coming in. A small girl ran over to the crib, excitedly clapped her hands and said, “He’s here! He’s here!” Yes, Jesus is here.
— Sister Joyce Burkhart
If you were one of the three Wise Men,
what gift would you bring for the newborn babe?
If I were one of the Wise Men, I would offer the Baby Jesus the gift of Peace.
Sister Frances
Marie Duncan
Since every child needs at least one toy, I would make sure Baby Jesus had a dreidel. That way he could “learn” about the Maccabees and God's ongoing intervention in salvation history.
Sister Nancy Celaschi
I recently read that three Wise Women would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped to deliver the baby, brought practical gifts, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and then there would have been peace on earth.
Sister Amata Shina
I would offer a blanket to keep the cold from the sweet baby Jesus’ body in His Mother’s arms, bowing down as I gave it with a smile and sense of awe on my face.
Sharon Penater (Associate)
May You Sleep in Heavenly Peace
As you settle in for a long winter’s nap this Christmas Eve, Sister Jean Makovsky suggests a special prayer: “I would like to share a prayer that I use before I retire for the day. I do not know who wrote it, but I found it among the evening prayers in Living Prayers years ago.”

Lord of heaven and earth, I entrust into your care all those I love.
Guide them in the ways of your truth and bring them to everlasting happiness.
I also pray for the good of those I find it so hard to love.
May you touch their lives with all that is good.
And may we all enjoy a restful night. Amen.