Preview one of the articles featured in the upcoming edition of The Phoenix.
Article by Sean Ronan ‘20:
On November 29, 2017, Kellenberg students of all divisions gathered in the auditorium to witness this year’s Advent Prayer Service.
As part of the performance, a Snapchat video was first shown to express hope during the holiday season. The video features Gabriel Blanco ‘24, Maggie Basile ‘19, and Mrs. Delbrune, a French teacher at the school, expressing their anticipation that Santa Claus will visit their homes to give them gifts on Christmas morning with a call to the North Pole. Maggie Basile stated, “Our goal was to encourage others to share the Gospel message through popular social media.”
The prayer service taught students the true meaning of the four weeks of Advent, with the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, through humorous performances by a group of twelve students acting in various videos and skits. The presentation delivered the important message to the student body of Jesus Christ coming to the world. As senior narrator Sophia Capsis describes, “His presence will transform a world of darkness into light.”
The second video that was shown expressed the theme of peace, as it showed students finding unhealthy shortcuts from studying and work, while a distorted version of the Carol of the Bells was played. During the frenzy of studying for exams, we can find consolation and solace through hard work and relying on our relationship with Jesus.
Christelle Pascal ‘19 covered Beyoncé’s “Ave Maria” to show the joy of the Blessed Mother in Her expected birth of Jesus Christ.
Whitney Houston’s song “I Will Always Love You” was sung by Lourdes Rohan ‘18 after realizing the everlasting nature of God’s love while she is stopped by Derek Nwaobi ‘18, dressed up as 90’s hip-hop sensation M.C. Hammer, and Robert Egan ‘18 who dressed up as a Christmas tree. The trio explained the meaning of Advent through singing Advent versions of songs “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “You Can’t Touch This” by M.C. Hammer.
Senior Mike Senatore said, “Seeing Derek come out as M.C. Hammer had everyone laughing in their seats. It was funny, but we got the point at the same time.”
The performance concluded with a captivating reenactment of the Nativity including all of the actors. Gabriel Blanco ‘24 and Jenann Sanon ‘18 played the role of the shepherds surrounding the birthplace of Jesus. Matthew Kenny ‘18 led the role of St. Joseph, and Anne-Isabelle Jean ‘18 as the Blessed Mother. The king was played by Nicholas D’Amato ‘18, and Maggie Ledwith ‘18 played an angel appearing to welcome the infant Jesus into the world with raised hands.
Under the direction of Mr. Alex Basile, Religion Department Chairperson and Apostolic Assistant, the Advent Prayer Service ended successfully. Regarding the performance, Mr. Basile said, “Our goal was to highlight the importance of a liturgical season that often becomes consumed by activities that can distract us from the true meaning of Christmas.”