BRONX, N.Y. – Holy Cross Church here included an early morning Puerto Rican tradition among its holiday festivities that began with a toy drive in mid December.
In the week prior to Christmas, Holy Cross celebrated “La Misa Aguinaldo” each morning at 6:00 a.m. The Misa Aguinaldo is a Puerto Rican tradition that includes daily Mass prior to dawn for the nine days before Christmas, festive traditional music, and a light breakfast.
On Dec. 16, the Latin American Riders Association held its annual toy drive here at Holy Cross. Every year more than 100 motorcycle riders gather at Holy Cross to distribute toys to the neighborhood children. It is quite a scene to see all those motorcycles coming down the street, and especially to see Santa riding a Harley.
On that same day, Robert Frazzetta led Christmas carols for our religious education students. Several other Christmas performances by our parish children and teens were also held. One of our youth groups, “Under the Mercy Ministry,” performed its 11th annual Christmas Spectacular on Dec. 22.
Holy Cross School hosted several Christmas events including a breakfast with Santa and a Christmas show.
A final Christmas event is scheduled for this weekend.
On the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 7, Holy Cross will also hold another toy giveaway for parish children. Parishioners have been donating toys throughout the Advent season. Many Latinos celebrate the Epiphany or “Three Kings Day” as a second Christmas complete with the exchange of gifts and family celebrations. Photos from our Christmas celebrations appear on the parish Web site.