GRAND ARMY PLAZA — The Diocese of Brooklyn’s official Christmas tree was brought to life on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Grand Army Plaza, with Bishop Robert Brennan leading the event and blessing the tree. The ceremony fell on the feast of St. Nicholas, a nod to the saint who served as the inspiration for Santa Claus.
“It’s prominent and it’s beautiful and a sign of joy to all of those who pass by,” Bishop Brennan told The Tablet.
The Christmas tree can be found at the busy intersection adjacent to the Dr. Alexander Skene monument on the southeast edge of the main ellipse of the plaza, and will be there through the first week of January. This is the first time it’s situated at this location — it’s typically found beneath the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch — because current construction on the arch forced it to be relocated.
The 21-foot balsam fir tree was illuminated with 17,000 multi-colored LED lights, the variety in colors intended to represent the diversity of people living throughout Brooklyn and Queens. After the glittering tree was lit by Bishop Brennan, a four-foot star sitting on top of it glowed.
“The whole world is here in Brooklyn and Queens. The whole world passes by right here at Grand Army Plaza. The brightness of the lights of the Christmas tree reflects some of that and celebrates it,” said Bishop Brennan, who also blessed the Nativity scene that sits in front of the tree.
Christine Persichette, the anchor of Currents News on NET-TV, hosted the event, an annual tradition for the diocese. The ceremony was sponsored by DeSales Media Group, the ministry that produces The Tablet.
While celebrating the momentous holiday is seen as a given to most Catholics in New York City, it is not as certain in the Holy Land. This year, Bethlehem has suspended their Christmas festivities due to the ongoing war in Gaza — meaning no Christmas tree will be erected in the Church of the Nativity or light canopy on Nativity Square.
This makes the local celebration here that much more meaningful, said Msgr. Sean Ogle, vicar for clergy and consecrated life for the diocese and chairman of the board of DeSales Media Group.
“This is such a remarkable thing, that we should have this tree lighting in this part of Brooklyn, one of the largest cities in the United States on its own. Especially when you consider, sadly, even in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, they’re not able to put up any Christmas regalia,” Msgr. Ogle told The Tablet. The evening’s festivities began with his opening words and prayers.
A nationwide Christmas tree shortage caused by the wildfires that ravaged parts of Canada earlier this year, as well as droughts that have plagued the Midwest have impacted festive observances with trees across the U.S. as well as its northern neighbor. However, the diocese was able to secure the towering tree for this year’s lighting ceremony from a farm in Huntington, Long Island.
To set the tone of the season, holiday songs were sung by cantors from the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Santiago and Sasha Gutierrez, a brother-sister duo who immigrated from Colombia. They sang in Spanish and English, an ode to both their own culture and the diversity of the diocese. Singing in the tree lighting at the start of the holiday season, expressing their faith in such a festive way, has been personally touching for them, Santiago said.
“It’s very special to be able to do this, not only inside the cathedral but to be able to express everything beyond the doors,” Sasha added.