Fr. Rafal is continuing the tradition of blessing homes during the period between Christmas and The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2nd which is the Polish feast day Matki Boskiej Gromnicznej.
The visit by the priest to bless the home of the faithful is known as Kolęda. This word is derived from a similar Polish word which refers to Christmas carols and hymns. In Poland, carolers would stroll through the towns and villages, singing the beautiful hymns to share the message of peace, love and salvation that was brought to the world by the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem. Christmas decorations in the U.S. often appear before Thanksgiving and are gone shortly after New Year’s Day. The Polish tradition is to decorate at the end of Advent and to enjoy the beauty of the decorations into February. Thus the true meaning of Christmas is carried well into the New Year. Everyone is invited to contact Fr. Dadello at (315) 823-0793 to schedule a Kolęda visit and blessing of their home.
