When we lived in Davis, California, Cecilia attended St. James Elementary School until she graduated from the Eighth Grade. As with all parochial schools, many religious holidays were graced with student performances at the various services. In 1987, Cece landed one of the plum parts in the Christmas play. She was to be the Archangel Gabriel, the angel that appeared to Mary and told her the news that she would be the mother of God.
If my memory of Catholic school is any yardstick, I am sure that there was much practicing of the play before the Christmas Eve performance at the Childrens’ Mass. That night, the play went flawlessly, at least to the prejudiced eyes of a very proud father. Cece stood behind the manger scene with arms outstretched and overshadowed the crèche with angelic grace. There were other angels in the scene and I forget if they had speaking parts or not. I know that Cece did.
Anyhow, after Christmas and far into the following spring (if photos are any evidence) this play was re-enacted time and again at our house, and seemingly on the front lawn for the entire neighborhood’s edification. Cece and friend, Claire Fontenot (who had been one of the play’s angels) stand with arms outstretched looking over the manger scene. St. Joseph (Dan) and the Virgin Mary (Rebecca) kneel on each side of the crib with hands prayerfully clasped. The crib is Becca’s doll crib that was inherited from Cece. The baby Jesus is no doubt some nondescript doll from the combined sisters’ collection.
The combined effect is extremely holy and prayerful. I am sure the neighborhood of K Street was brought to a more religious frame of mind by the saintly actor and actresses.
JP 12-31-2011
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