Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Seventy years ago, Christmas in the Archdiocese of Louisville was marked by unique traditions and solemn observances. An archived article from The Record, originally published on December 16, 1955, details how communities throughout the archdiocese celebrated the holiday.

The Christmas celebration at the Cathedral on Fifth Street began when the choir sang the first carol around 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. By that time, every pew was filled and standing room was scarce. Television cameras and telephone lines were set up to broadcast the Mass to homes across Louisville.

When midnight struck, the bishop entered as the choir performed “Ecce Sacerdos Magnus,” signaling the start of a Pontifical High Mass—the only midnight Mass held in any parish of the archdiocese at that time.

Private midnight Masses also took place in convents, where "the Christmas observance is invested with all the spirituality and dignity, with the sense of gratitude and true spiritual joy, called for by the remembrance of Christ’s birth." The article notes that nuns’ voices blended into "the midnight stillness," creating an atmosphere focused on spiritual reflection rather than material celebrations.

At Gethsemani’s Trappist Monastery, monks observed Christmas with added simplicity. Their diet remained austere except for minor additions like apples or cake at their main meal. The monks maintained silence but participated fully in liturgical celebrations: "Between 9 o’clock and midnight, they sing Matins and Lauds... For our sakes, a child is born, to our race a son is given..." Shortly after midnight Mass concluded with reverence reminiscent of Bethlehem’s humble surroundings.

The article describes St. Meinrad’s Archabbey in Indiana as another location where “there is no song in Gregorian chant more poignant than” Isaias’ prophecy during Christmas Matins. According to the piece: "The Benedictine monks at St. Meinrad give it all they have, and joy rises in the Abbey Church like a star over the horizon..."

In parishes across central Kentucky—where the Archdiocese of Louisville provides pastoral care—Christmas Day began early with first Masses starting at 5 or 5:30 a.m., featuring choirs and priests gathered before nativity cribs adorned with cedar branches and lights. Traditionally during these services, collections were taken up for orphans.

Today, the Archdiocese of Louisville continues its mission as part of the Roman Catholic Church through worship services, sacramental ministry, faith education programs, community outreach efforts across multiple parishes in Kentucky—including support for vulnerable populations—and stewardship activities under ecclesiastical governance led by its Archbishop.