HOULTON, Maine — A small group of about 20 people came out for a chilly candlelight vigil at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Wednesday evening.
The outdoor vigil featured the theme of “Christmas Mysteries” and included a procession that symbolized the journey of Mary and Joseph as they sought a place to stay in Bethlehem.
Five stations were identified outside the church by a lone candle. At each station a passage of scripture and corresponding meditation was read, followed by a brief prayer and Christmas carol, including “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Silent Night,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Parishioners bundled for the cold temperature and all in attendance wore face masks as part of COVID-19 precautions.
A small group of parishioners gather Wednesday, Dec. 23, outside St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Houlton for a candlelight vigil. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Serenna Fitzpatrick sings a Christmas carol during a Dec. 23 candlelight vigil outside St. Mary’s Church in Houlton. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
