2018 Christmas Heroics: 600 Served; More Than 200 Unexpectedly
by Rick Winterson There have been Christmas Dinners served to the people of South Boston for the last 35 years. These are such joyful occasions, one can only hope that these Dinners continue to be served for at least 135 years more. This custom began with the late Msgr. McDonnell (popularly called “Fr. Tom”), who enlisted the help of Frank Kelley, a retired Marine Mess Sergeant. Fr. Tom was inspired by the stories of feasting in Luke’s Gospel, which he called “the Hospitality Gospel”. The Dinners were first held in the old St. Augustine Hall; they now take place every Christmas Day in St. Monica Church Hall. This Year of Our Lord 2018 was the 35th Anniversary of these Dinners. And it was [...]