The longstanding Angel Choir Procession tradition at St. Mary's Hospital drew people who have been with the event for decades, plus dozens of people who have never been before.
The tradition features some two dozen "Angels" - children or grandchildren of St. Mary's employees who walk through the halls of the hospital singing Christmas carols to the patients and staff.
But this year, the event was opened to the public and expanded. Organizers unveiled a "Tree of Love" fundraiser that allows members of the public to pay $7.50 for a star they can place on the tree in honor of a loved one. Proceeds go toward patient care services. The personalized ornaments can be added to the tree throughout the Christmas season.
The Helias Concert Choir also performed at a ceremony, followed by Sue Steppelman's reading of "Dimmy," a Christmas story she wrote for her daughters more than 54 years ago. It was published in "Wee Wisdom" magazine. (See a separate story on this in today's edition of Active Life.)
After the ceremony, the Angel Choir Procession drew smiles throughout the hospital as they sang Christmas classics such as "Frosty the Snowman" and "Silent Night."
Jane Frank, a longtime registered nurse at the hospital, helps coordinate the event. She recalls, as a child, longing to sing at the Angel Choir Procession. But she wasn't able to, as the event is limited to children or grandchildren of hospital employees. But since then, she's lived vicariously through both her children and now her grandchildren who are part of the choir.
Five of her eight grandchildren have participated.
"It just brings joy to our patients - they love to see the little angels," she said.
Nancy Epple, another longtime nurse at St. Mary's who now is retired, also attended. About 15 years ago, she sewed the 36 costumes for the angels.
She's since sewed another three dozen angel costumes for Villa Marie Skilled Nursing Facility, which holds a similar event.
She's attended the St. Mary's event many years.
"It's just heartwarming to me," she said. "I love the event. It's a beautiful tradition."