Fraternity-Testvériség, 1973 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1973-10-01 / 10-12. szám
1 SILENT NIGHT “Silent Night,” one of the world’s most treasured Christmas carols was written 150 years ago. It was Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr who gave the first rendition of “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Joseph Mohr was the assistant pastor of the St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in the Austrian town of Obemdorf, north of Salzburg. In this one street village, in 1818, there lived a ship owner, who invited the caroling groups into his house to present the Christmas pageant. This ship owner’s hospitality and the pageant presentation, inspired the young priest, and instead of returning to the Church climbed the small mountain close to the village, and under the starry skies started to write. From these simple and yet beautiful words came the famous carol: “Silent Night.” The next morning, which was December 24, Mohr went to the village of Amsdorf, which was near by. His friend, Franz Gruber, the local school teacher and organist of the Obemdorf Church, lived there. Mohr asked Gruber to compose a melody for his lyric. Gruber’s melody was arranged for a solo voice and guitar accompaniment. At the Christmas Eve Service, this carol was sung in the Obemdorf Church with guitar accompaniment because the organ was not in working condition. Mohr was transferred to another church and his hymn was barred by the heirarchy because it was thought to be too modem. After Mohr’s departure from Obemdorf, the melody and lyrics of “Silent Night” spread all over the world and were translated into many languages. King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia was enchanted by the hymn and ordered that it be sung by the Berlin Dome Choir each Christmas Eve. On this Christmas Eve, Protestant and Roman Catholics will be singing together the ever famous carol: “Silent Night, Holy Night.” May it truly be a silent night and holy night all over the world. Rev. Francis Vitéz No Room at the Inn “... there was no room for them at the inn.” That is part of the sad tale related by Luke. Think of the possibilities had room been made for May in her time of need. Had the selfish or the rich and powerful or even the intelligent among the lodgers at that inn used a hit of heart, what divine treasures would they have accumulated? But the story is plan. No ifs can change it; He was born in a barn with a manger for a cradle. Unfortunately, the theme — “there is no room for them” — remains the verdict of many of us today. We keep people out of our inns because they speak with an accent or pray differently or display black or brown skin coloring. At Christmas, however, we mouth the words of brotherhood and peace and good will. Yet do they remain words. For most of us have no room in our hearts for those who are not like us. But as it was told, so must we all remember: He was not like them either... His Will Shall Be Done The daily “hellos” are brighter. And the smiles are broader. Even strangers in the street seem charged with remembered joys, new excitement. Why? Because the Christmas season warms each person's heart once more; and good will, peace on earth once again make people shape themselves in His image. His will shall be done... on earth. This New Year, ’74, may you be granted . . . Peace, that most precious gift, and trust of mankind to keep it. Friendship, another priceless gift, and loyalty to retain each true friend. Contentment, that state of mind, and the determination to keep trying even though you fail. Love, a must for everyone, and consideration for those who share it. Enthusiasm — what would life be without it? — and understanding that “this too must pass.” Hope, or complete faith in Him, and the knowledge that you have done your best to make each next day ever better. 14
