Christmas was the favorite feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of the Institute. The holy Bishop and Doctor had a special love for the mystery of the Incarnation, in which the infinite God was born as an Infant Child in the humble stable of Bethlehem.

"This is the grace which I desire for you, that you remain very near to this sacred Savior who gathers us all around Himself in order to keep us always under the standard of His holy protection, just like the shepherd who has care for his sheep and of his flock... May we have the fidelity to keep ourselves submissive, obedient and subject to His wishes and commands, in order that we might begin in this life what, with the help of God’s grace, we shall eternally do in heaven." Sermon for Christmas by St. Francis de Sales

Thus the Nativity of Christ our Infant King was celebrated with great joy in the spiritual family of the Institute’s apostolates across the country. In each of these locations the liturgical ceremonies and the festive social gatherings all required much preparation by many volunteers so that the beauty of these Christmastide celebrations would be a fitting reminder that the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is the most important event ever to happen in the history of the world. Such celebrations are special moments of grace which offer the occasion for souls to be inspired in a more fervent practice of our Catholic Faith and to be strengthened in deeper devotion.

Here below is a small selection of Christmas photos from these apostolates: St. Stanislaus Oratory (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), St. Gianna Oratory (Tucson, Arizona), Immaculate Heart of Mary Oratory (San José, California), and St. Margaret Mary (Oakland, California).