<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16904 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/elizabeth_xmastree.jpg" alt="charlotte_xmastree" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/elizabeth_xmastree.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/elizabeth_xmastree-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
O’Dowd celebrated the start of the Christmas season with its very own Light to the World: Christmas Tree Lighting, planned by the Dragon Parents board, on Monday evening. Over 100 members of the O’Dowd community-parents, students and staff- came together in the quad to celebrate the light that the O’Dowd community represents.
On this clear, cold night, the 25-foot tree of lights was lit while attendees sang carols in the glow of beeswax candles and enjoyed delicious holiday cookies and caramel apples.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16901 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/family_xmas.jpg" alt="family_xmas" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/family_xmas.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/family_xmas-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16907 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/band_xmas.jpg" alt="band_xmas" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/band_xmas.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/band_xmas-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
O’Dowd’s string orchestra, led by Fred Randolph, and choir members, led by Starr Gray, provided festive holiday music. Father Leo, Board of Regents member, provided the blessing and Dr. Phelps ushered in the Christmas season. Molly Natsues, Dragon Parents board President thanked Andrew Danish, Arts Chair, and Kasia Ekstrand, Volunteer Chair, for this work in developing and organizing this spectacular event inspired by Andrew’s childhood memories of Monrovian Christmas tree lighting events.
Additional thanks go to the O’Dowd facilities department who outdid themselves in erecting the 25-foot tree of lights and hanging a traditional Monrovian star from the tower.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16902 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/kid_xmas.jpg" alt="kid_xmas" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/kid_xmas.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/kid_xmas-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16903 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/girls_xmas.jpg" alt="girls_xmas" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/girls_xmas.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/girls_xmas-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16910 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/baby_manger.jpg" alt="baby_manger" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/baby_manger.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/baby_manger-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
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Photos by Donovan Rittenbach
Photos by Dennis Mockel (Super Parent)