TRADITIONAL CRECHE and PHILIPPINE “PAROL” HIGHLIGHT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH’S OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN MAPLEWOOD

TRADITIONAL CRECHE and PHILIPPINE “PAROL” HIGHLIGHT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH’S OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN MAPLEWOOD.

St. Joseph in Maplewood has always been a sight to behold every Christmas Season. Last year, The Maplewood Civic Association has awarded St. Joseph Church with a Certificate of Recognition for a wonderful and unique Christmas display.

The center of attraction is the traditional Crèche. This is not only intended for an artistic display but this manger helps us to contemplate the mystery of God’s love who revealed himself in the poverty and simplicity of the Bethlehem cave. The crib can help us, in fact, to understand the secret of the true Christmas, because it speaks of humility and the merciful goodness of Christ, who “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor”. (II Corinthians 8:9) His poverty enriches those who embrace it and Christmas brings joy and peace to those who, as the shepherds, accept in Bethlehem the words of the angel: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger". (Luke 2:12)

It continues to be a sign also for us, men and women of the 21st century. There is no other Christmas.
During the whole season of Advent, a big Advent Wreath is prominently displayed in front of the Church.

Last year, 15 (fifteen) beautiful Christmas Lanterns were flown from the Philippines. This type of lanterns were featured in many expositions all over the world. It continues to amaze people because of its ingenuity and beautiful blend of colors and play of lights. This is popularly known among Filipinos as “Parol.”

Parol represents the Filipino innovation, creativity and it is the greatest expression of Christmas spirit. Parol making is a traditional folk craft. School children are taught how to make parol and they usually have a lantern parade to showcase their work.

Parol has become the most recognizable Christmas ornament for Filipinos not just in the Philippines, but in any country where there is a Filipino community. Parol are usually made from “Capiz”, a type of shells and are intricately designed, these last long and can be used every year. These 15 parols were specially and individually handcrafted by children from the poverty stricken and slum areas in the Philippines.

The parol uplifts the spirit, instills a sense of pride and hope, it not only brightens Filipino Christmas, but it serves as an inspiration for Filipino ingenuity.

The parol symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem; it is a fount of light, a sign of hope amid the “darkness in the world. In the “darkness” that hovers in our homeland and in the Diaspora, the parol emerges as a Filipino emblem that fosters unity and bayanihan (community spirit). The parol uplifts the spirit, instills a sense of pride and hope. Hanging the parol on front windows during the holiday season encourages other people to feel that they are not alone.

The parol is becoming the Filipinos’ bridging symbol between the homeland and the Diaspora, and it has become our gift to the world. Many expatriates and immigrant families buy and display these lanterns not only to rekindle the nostalgic Pasko (Christmas), but also to let their neighbors see “we have our own Christmas symbol that we are proud of.

The best time to see this display is at night time as the colors and shapes are more distinct against the evening backdrop. Come and be dazzled with this unique St. Joseph Parish Christmas display.