Center for Catholic Education at UD

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you, who is Messiah and Lord.  ~Luke 2:10-12

Blessings for the Advent and Christmas Season!

By Susan Ferguson

As we approach the time to celebrate Christ’s birth, we reflect with joy and hope upon the blessings received and those to come.  The University of Dayton Marian Library is known for a phenomenal collection of crèches from all over the world.  It seems fitting to ponder this blessing on our campus and to think about how prayer and reflection about these replicas of Christ’s birth from many cultures help us to pray and to appreciate Christ’s light in our life and in the work of the Center for Catholic Education.  There are likely many ways to reflect and pray.  We offer three.

As the crèches represent many cultures, we are reminded of the call for understanding diversity and inclusivity.  The Lalanne teachers and ECHO counselors teach and counsel students from various faith traditions, economic status, race, ethnicity, and varying degrees of cognitive abilities and states of social and emotional wellness.  They recognize each child as a whole person and a holy person and child of God while respecting the need to love the unique set of gifts and challenges each one brings to the community.

The crèches tell of the mystery of God’s ever unfolding love for all.  Peering into each scene and identifying with the role of each figure -- angel, shepherd, wise men, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus -- we note all came to adore the Christ child.  We, in the Center for Catholic Education, come to realize that collaboration with our partners in Catholic education on campus, in dioceses, at the USCCB and NCEA and around the world enhances our common mission in education to tell the Good News of Jesus coming to us. 

The star guided those from afar to the Holy Infant.  We pray that our efforts will be light and offer guidance to those who request it.  We receive guidance from those whose souls are touched by us, and we by them.  All of us at the Center for Catholic Education pray for you in Jesus’ name at this time of year and throughout the year, that through community we might love all, nurture peace, and appreciate the gifts given for God’s glory.

May God bless you in this holy season and bring peace and joy in the New Year!

Susan Ferguson, Barb Miller, Savio Franco, Lindsey Bronder, Emma Grace Geckle, Jacinta Mergler, Peggy Brun, Rhonda Mercs, Jennifer Baker, Annamarie Berger, Caren Brockman, Gina Cristiano, Sandra Eisenhut, Coleen Henderson, Tracy Rice, Pono Riddle, Michelle Schaffer, Michelle Sherman, Terese Switalski, Amy Theodor, Shari Zahn    

Marian Library crèche collection:   https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/c/creche-collection-of-the-marian-library/index.php