DONATIONS OF POINSETTIAS FOR CHURCH

With the season of Christmas approaching, you are invited to donate a Poinsettia plant in memory of a loved one. The plants will be used for the decoration of the church and crib.

The plant’s association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or Maria, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and was inspired by an Angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias. From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the star of Bethlehem, and the red colour represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus.

Plants can be left in either Holy Family or St. Thérèse church. You may wish to attach a card with the name of your loved one.

A Mass will be offered on 26th December in Holy Family and 31st December in St Thérèse for all those in whose memory the plants are donated.