Editor’s note: This was submitted by John Devereaux, of New Hope, about an event in Solebury Township that touched him.
My wife announced that we were going to a very special event that St. Martin’s of Tours of New Hope was sponsoring.
My eyes lit up. Recent and planned events included the renowned St Thomas Episcopal Choir, a great lecturer series and a Christmas concert by the Riverside Symphonia.
She added, “I would add an extra sweater and wear some gloves.”
I knew immediately that we would be attending the rerunning of Father (Frederick) Kindon’s bucket list top pick and gift from the parish: A flight in a hot air balloon!
But we turned in the wrong direction out of the driveway — away from St. Martin’s Church. We went down a set of country roads and made a left where I did not know a left existed. In front of us, people were getting out of their cars and making their way by a path to a dimly lit structure. I finally asked my wife what the special event was. She said: “We are having Mass in Phyllis and John Mauro’s barn.”
My lack of enthusiasm could not be hidden when a flurry of excuses came from my lips: “It’s too cold! Can you see the snow on the ground? It’s way too cold!”
I was getting my second breath for another round of excuses, but suddenly felt ashamed. It was the night of Nov. 30. Christmas was just a few weeks away. It seemed a very important question was about to be answered or experienced. What kind of Christmas Eve did the Holy Family have to endure?
As we walked into the barn, the lights flickered off the straw-bale altar, earthly smells wafted in the air, and a silence pervaded that was almost deafening. Whatever your religion, I can almost guarantee that you have a certain level of pageantry, which can include beautifully embroidered vestments, precious metal adornments and a well-lit and heated place of worship.
All very different from the simplicity and impoverished hovel that Our Savior was born into: Some have called it a cave, a shed, a stable or even a barn.
It was not that cold! There was a spirit of comradeship, a sense of belonging and a better understanding of what really is important. There was real warmth emanating from the 200 attending the service.
Father Kindon emphasized in his short pre-homily what it was like that first Christmas night when the infant was born and placed in a manger. The Youth Choir sang several pieces that added to the service, including “Mary, Did You Know . . .” as the recessional song.
After Mass, refreshments of hot chocolate and coffee were provided by the hospitality team. As the congregation slowly filed out of the barn, the late November air did not seem quite as cold. We were all warm on the inside.
The St. Martin’s liturgical planning committee had hit another home run . . . but this time in a barn!

