THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
A Christmas Peace Breakfast for All
What’s Christmas without music? Ask pianist Charlie Connor.
by Rick Winterson
C
er t a i n ly, S out h Boston knows how to celebrate Christmas. We are blessed with opportunities to celebrate many days where saints play a role – St. Valentine, St. Patrick (of course), and St. Nicholas, whose role consists of his visits to us during December, especially when he’s bearing gifts on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas Peace Breakfast last Saturday morning, which was held in St. Monica Church, was just such a celebration. It was really and truly a festive occasion. The Breakfast attracted more than 400. Everyone was welcome – parishioners, their friends, local residents, and of course, those who had no place to get breakfast on their own. The unexpectedly huge crowd meant extra tables had to be set up, which was quickly done by cheerful, hardworking volunteers. Indeed, the entire Peace Breakfast event is a volunteer effort. It is always held in St. Monica Church Hall; it is spearheaded by Deacon Paul Kline and overseen by Father Peter DeFazio, who serves as the Administrator of the South Boston/Seaport Catholic Collaborative (St. Monica, St. Peter, Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine, and the now-closed St. Vincent Church). The story of the Peace Breakfasts is inspiring, especially at Christmastime. Just over two years ago, a young man was killed near St. Monica Church.
Do you recognize BPD Officer George Billotte? The Station Six Police and nearby residents were extremely concerned that this violence might continue. The idea of a “Peace Breakfast” was conceived – people getting together in loving tolerance, without fear of any kind, eating, enjoying, and getting to know each other. Local Boston Police officers and lay volunteers now prepare breakfast at which all are welcome (with emphasis on the word “All”!). The
Police even provided a Santa Claus at last Saturday’s Breakfast. Costs for these breakfasts are defrayed by the members of the Catholic Collaborative. And this has worked – worked very well. Over 4,000 Peace Breakfasts have been served since they began two years ago. There were some special features at last Saturday’s Peace Breakfast. Deacon Paul Kline led the Peace Breakfast in a Continued on Page 3
W
ishing Everyone
in our GREAT Community A Joyous & Meaningful Holiday Season, And a Bright & Happy New Year! Your friends and neighbors at
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