The College of the Holy Cross celebrated the start of the holiday season on campus Thursday night with the annual tree lighting ceremony outside O’Kane Hall.
Featuring performances by the Holy Cross Good Time Marching Band, the College choir and a cappella groups — and much needed hot cocoa and cookies thanks to traditional December temperatures — members of the campus community enjoyed the return of this favorite Holy Cross tradition.
Prior to the illumination of two trees at the base of O'Kane Porch and protectively on either side of the College's crèche, Rev. Timothy O’Brien, S.J., '09, associate vice president for mission, offered a prayer of reflection, asking that God bless the community and the trees, which are signs of faith, hope and love.
"We pray that these trees of lights may remind us of the light God has brought into the world in the Incarnation. May it inspire us to be light for a world in need. May it rouse us to work for justice," Fr. O'Brien said.
And with a countdown from 10 and a cheer, the holiday season official began on The Hill.
Holy Cross Kicks Off the Holiday Season
Seasonal temperatures, cocoa and carols mark the annual event.
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