Giving Thanks in Brooklyn

By Johanna M.

On November 27th, our Con-solatio family celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving Day together with 85 friends in Brooklyn. Preparations had begun several days earlier, with marinating turkeys, crafting name tags, and ironing tablecloths in eager anticipation. We opened the feast in prayer, celebrating the holy Mass at noon, accompanied by music from the community choir. Afterwards, the guests gathered in the festively decorated parish hall, where—thanks to generous donors and kitchen helpers—a plentiful meal awaited them. Friends from the neighborhood, from work, from nursing homes, from the university and the parish, from many different countries and age groups, shared the luncheon, enjoying magic tricks, musical performances, and a pantomime contest. It was especially beautiful to welcome back friends who have been celebrating with us for several years already, as well as those who joined us for the first time. We are grateful to have ended the liturgical year together in community, giving thanks to God for His provision and presence in our shared lives.