Wreath’s glow grows at St. Andrew the Apostle

Story and Photos By Beth Donze, Clarion Herald

Suspended from the ceiling like an elegant evergreen chandelier, the Advent wreath at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Algiers is impossible to miss during Masses celebrated this season. After testing various locations for the wreath over the course of his eight years as St. Andrew’s pastor, Father John Talamo Jr. realized that placing it in its traditional spot on the ground floor, near the sanctuary, was leaving congregants sitting in the church’s second-floor seating – literally – in the dark.

“Not everyone from the balcony could see (the wreath) because it was at such a distance and was much smaller,” Father Talamo said. “So (this year) we decided to go with one that was grander and more center-focused, so that it could be at the center of everyone during Mass.

“At the same time it doesn’t block the view of anything,” Father Talamo added. “It’s strategically placed and leveled so that everyone, no matter where they’re sitting in the church – either on the top or at the bottom – can see the altar. There’s no obstruction of view whatsoever.”

Before each vigil Mass during Advent,  Father Talamo climbs a ladder to light a new candle and carefully places it inside its protective lantern. Each successive candle remains lit for the duration of Advent, enabling the elevated wreath to acquire its full, four-candle glow the weekend of Dec. 21.