VIDEO: Croatian School Cardinal Stepinac in New York with a heartwarming Christmas program

by croatiaweek
December 12, 2023
in Entertainment

(Photo credit: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

By Ane Strazicic Rodriguez

On Sunday, December 10, 2023, in the Croatian parish community in New York, a Christmas program was held organized by the Croatian School Cardinal Stepinac.

The program began with a folk Holy Mass at 11 a.m., where children from the Croatian School and the Kolo Group Cardinal Stepinac, dressed in traditional costumes, participated alongside other faithful parishioners. The Holy Mass was led by the parish vicar, Father Lovro Šimić.

Readings and the presentation of gifts were done by the children of the Croatian School. In his homily, Father Lovro reflected on the idea of life without God, emphasizing that cribs, like life, make no sense without Jesus. He called on everyone present not to seek gifts but to become gifts to God himself.

(Photo credit: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

Following the Holy Mass, a program began in the Grand Hall where all the classes of the Croatian School performed dances and songs from various regions prepared with their teachers. It was truly wonderful to see all the youth continuing to march with love and pride in the footsteps of their ancestors. After the program, a lunch was provided by the Dubrovnik restaurant.

(Photo credit: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

To complete the program, there was a rich lottery with winners ranging from the youngest to the oldest. “I believe that everyone left with smiles on their faces and hearts filled, continuing to welcome the birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” said Father Lovro, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Croatian School Committee, all the teachers, parents, volunteers, and the children who participated in this program.