Urbi et Orbi
Happy New Year! Today is a holy day of obligation, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Anno Domini 2012 set a new record for Mass attendance—forty-five Eucharists, seven short of the year's goal of fifty-two, but eight better than '11's final count of thirty-seven, itself a record—& A.D. 2013 got off to a good start with this morning's attendance. (8:30 seemed awfully early after the midnight ball-drop, but I was buoyed by memories of observing last year's Solemnity of Mary with The Guy at Saint Louis's historic Old Cathedral.) I wish one & all a blessed New Year & a holy & prosperous '13.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of New Year's Day
Duvall, "Away in a Manger" from O Holy Night (T.L.A.M.)