Victorians who attended Christmas mass Wednesday morning were in the minority — only 24 per cent of B.C. residents planned to attend services Wednesday, according to an online poll. But the dozens who arrived at St. Andrew’s Cathedral at View and Blanshard streets to observe the holiday together proved there were many reasons to gather — and just as many ways to celebrate.
Giving thanks
For Victoria resident Elizabeth Port, who faced persecution as a Christian in Communist Hungary before escaping as a teenager, celebrating Christmas had a special meaning.
The holiday is a time to give thanks, as well as think about others who find themselves in difficult circumstances, she said.
“I think we have to really pray for others back East. We’re so blessed here with the wonderful weather,” Port said. “Back East, they can’t even have supper, there’s no lights, nothing. So we have to have a heart to care for others.”
Religious life
It was all about religion for Brother Paul. The 91-year-old Franciscan monk, who has had multiple sclerosis for 65 years, said he was looking forward to rest after church.
“Of course, I do a lot of praying, but what I mean to say is it’s in a restful way.”
Brother Paul has attended Christmas mass at the Catholic church for almost 35 years, he said. “I like the regular schedule and the routine, you know. The regular routine is so important in religious life.”
Family time
Wednesday was the first Christmas that Natalie Harris spent with her family in nine years. She brought along her son, Jacob, who is almost two, and husband, Michael.
The two, who live in Moncton, N.B., met while working in the hospitality industry in Bermuda, so have had to work most holidays.
For Natalie’s mother, Maha Akoury, it was a holiday treat. “It’s lovely. It’s a big pleasure, especially with Jacob.”
Blending rituals
The Italian-Canadian Monteleone family blends rituals from both countries.
“We have fish on Christmas eve and then our more North American turkey and ham on Christmas Day,” said Sofia Monteleone. “And we also do Italian pasta.”
Mom Rosanna Monteleone said it’s about combining both worlds, as well as remembering the Christian roots of the holiday.
“I fight to keep up [traditions], because it’s very difficult in today’s society where everything is more commercial,” she said. “For us, it’s more about religion and tradition.”
Forging traditions
For Mary Foran, who was separated from her family this holiday, it was about making new traditions.
“I’ll be visiting with really good friends,” she said. “I don’t have a lot of family here so it’s really important to me.”
Foran has lived in Victoria for four years and said her family is in California.
“There have been lots of phone calls already this morning, lots of tears.”
New roles
Becky and Kory Major were among many Victoria residents preparing for a busy day ahead.
The newlyweds, who married in November, took the new role of hosts for their family’s Christmas dinner and planned to serve ham.
“We’ve been eating turkey since Christmas parties started at the beginning of December, so I’m done with turkey,” Becky said.
After dinner would be board games (Ticket to Ride is the family favourite) before Becky returned to work the night shift at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe hotel.
