First Vespers of Christmas on the evening of December 24The church in Naples is prepared for the Office of Matins which precedes Midnight MassThe entryway of the churchAs the priest processes into the church for midnight Mass, he carries the Infant Jesus and places him in the mangerThe Elevation of the Sacred Host at midnight MassAfter the Mass, the sisters and canons gather to share their joy of the birth of Our SaviorThe sisters line up in the chapter room before entering the church for Mass on Christmas DayThe statue of the Royal Heart of Our LordItalian sermon for the faithful during the Mass on Christmas DayThe moment of the Elevation with the Infant Jesus above the altarFollowing Mass, the Infant Jesus is venerated by the altar boys, the sisters, and the faithfulThe sisters pray before lunch on Christmas DayIn the evening, the chaplain preaches a sermon especially for the sisters2nd Vespers of ChristmasFollowed by Benediction of the Blessed SacramentDinner is shared in joyful recreationThe day concludes with hymns sung to the Infant Jesus in the manger
