The Candlelight Ceremony

Students processing to the Candlelight Ceremony in 1947.

Rita Sweeney, Mary Ann Walsh, Frances Brodechi, Virginia Farrell, Jean Monaghan, and Norma Ferris processing to the Candlelight Ceremony in 1947.

The Classes of 1951 and 1952 in the Motherhouse Chapel for the Candlelight Ceremony in 1950.

Students lined up for the Candlelight Ceremony. Mary Koelhoffer, Virginia Beotsch, Rose Odierno, Joyce Gallaher, Rita Christiano, Dolores Corona, c.1958.

Students gather in the Motherhouse Chapel for the Candlelight Ceremony, c.1958.

Students gathered around the Christmas Crib for the Candlelight Ceremony, c.1964.

Students, faculty, and staff gather for a service in the Cougar Den in 1975.

Reverend Gerald P. Ruane, College Chaplain, giving a Christmas service in the Cougar Den in 1975.

Students singing Christmas carols by candlelight.

Students at a Candlelight Ceremony.

At the Candlelight Ceremony, students would wear their caps and gowns and line up in the halls singing Christmas carols, each holding a candle. The flame would be passed from girl to girl, until each candle was lit. They would then process to the Christmas Mass in the Motherhouse Chapel. Later in Caldwell's history, similar services were held in other locations on campus such as the Cougar's Den.