“Serving Boone, DeKalb, Kane, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties in Illinois ”
OUR MISSION
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a network of friends inspired by Gospel
values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal
relationships with and service to people in need.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a network of friends inspired by Gospel
values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal
relationships with and service to people in need.
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What We Can Find In Silence Josef Mohr, the author of this world-famous Christmas Carol, was inspired by the beauty of silence of a snowy hillside. Here is the story: In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps. On December 23 they arrived at Oberndorf, a village near Salzburg where they were to re-enact the story of Christ's birth in the small Church of St. Nicholas. Unfortunately, the St. Nicholas' church organ wasn't working and would not be repaired before Christmas. (Note: some versions of the story point to mice as the problem; others say rust was the culprit) Because the church organ was out of commission, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home. That Christmas presentation of the events in the first chapters of Matthew and Luke put assistant pastor Josef Mohr in a meditative mood. Instead of walking straight to his house that night, Mohr took a longer way home. The longer path took him up over a hill overlooking the village. From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered village. Reveling in majestic silence of the wintry night, Mohr gazed down at the Christmas-card like scene. His thoughts about the Christmas play he had just seen made him remember a poem he had written a couple of years before. That poem was about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside. My memories of this beautiful song were not of silence, quite the contrary. My most endearing memories were of my father, with his deep southern drawl belting out the song with all his heart (and lungs), bellowing over everyone around him. He loved this song, and he loved to sing. I would love to hear him sing it one more time. Now, there is something to say of silence. Silence can mean loneliness, vulnerability, painful memories, and anxieties. But, for me, bringing hope and compassion to those we serve breaks this silence. It brings light in darkness and opens the door to God’s love. Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing 'Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born Christ the Savior is born Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus Lord, at Thy birth Jesus Lord, at Thy birth May you enjoy the silence of Christmas and the peace and love it brings. Your Servant Leader, Susan |
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Rockford Council is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the Council are deductible. The Council's tax identification number is 06-1640220.
© 2019 Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Rockford Council
© 2019 Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Rockford Council
