Posted December 4, 2008

CS&T Staff Report

“Feels Like Christmas” is the title of the 2008 concert the Daughters of St. Paul Concert Choir will perform Dec. 10 at Villanova University and Dec. 11 at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Northeast Philadelphia.

Clad in their habits and cheerful red scarves, Pauline sisters from across the country – including two stationed in the Philadelphia Archdiocese – strive to communicate the Christmas message of hope, peace and joy through choreography, props, group and solo performances.

Pauline Sister Patricia Mary Maresca, the local superior, sings alto as does Pauline Sister Maria Kim-Ngan Bui, coordinator of promotions and events for the Daughters of St. Paul in Philadelphia. Sister Maria believes the concert can help audiences prepare for Christmas. “It’s important that every year we grow to understand more fully in a heartfelt way the implications of Jesus coming as our Savior Incarnate,” Sister Maria said.

The performance opens with a rendition of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Other songs include “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Carol of the Kings,” “Feels Like Christmas,” “Perfect Christmas Night” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The concerts in the Philadelphia Archdiocese close out the sisters’ 2008 tour, which includes venues in New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts.

“On behalf of all the sisters, we wish everybody a blessed and holy Christmas,” Sister Maria said.

“Feels Like Christmas” will be performed at 8 p.m. – doors open at 7 p.m. – Wednesday, Dec. 10 in the Villanova Room at the Connelly Center on the campus of Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Ave. in Villanova, and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at Maternity B.V.M. Parish Hall, 9220 Old Bustleton Ave. in Philadelphia.

For ticket information, call (215) 676-9494.