By Seth Daniel
Members of St. Rose Church on Broadway have installed their impressive Christmas light display this year on the newly constructed piazza. Throughout 2016, volunteers worked to complete the new structure, and this marks the first holiday season they have been able to fully decorate it – continuing a tradition that began approximately six years ago.
Among the many dazzling light installations on the new piazza north of St. Rose Church is an illuminated Nativity scene topped with a brilliantly shining star. What started as a modest lighting effort several years ago has since expanded considerably in scope and scale.
According to Father Hilario Sanez, the annual Christmas display has returned this year thanks to the efforts of numerous dedicated parishioners from the church’s Vietnamese-speaking community.
Approximately 20 men from the parish contribute their time annually to construct and maintain the luminous display, both as a gift to the community and as a celebration of Christmas.
The new piazza patio situated north of the church has enhanced the display significantly – providing better support and a more suitable setting for the colorful lights than previous locations.
Cuong Pham coordinated the Vietnamese parishioners during the piazza’s construction in summer and fall of 2016. Working voluntarily into late evening hours on both weekdays and weekends, the parishioners built the new structure to enable the church to host improved outdoor gatherings.
Their commitment to the undertaking was exceptional, with many volunteers arriving after completing full days of work in the construction field.
Following a year without the Christmas lights, the Vietnamese parishioner team returned this month to reinstall the festive light display.
Community members have remarked favorably on the display, noting that the City’s new Christmas lights work well alongside the St. Rose installation – creating a more festive atmosphere throughout the downtown area.