December 16

On December 16, Christians across different denominations observe feast days for Adelaide of Italy, a 10th-century Holy Roman Empress renowned for her charity and piety. The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates Haggai, the Old Testament prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple. The Episcopal Church (USA) honors Ralph Adams Cram, Richard Upjohn, and John La Farge for their influential contributions to church architecture and sacred art. Adelaide's life exemplifies devotion and leadership, blending royal authority with deep faith and support for monastic communities. Haggai's prophecies highlight themes of renewal and restoration that continue to inspire liturgical readings and sermons. Architectural tours and special services often showcase Cram's Gothic designs, Upjohn's churchmanship, and La Farge's innovative stained glass. These observances remind worshippers of the diverse ways faith has been expressed through leadership, prophecy, art, and architecture.

Beginning on December 16, Las Posadas is a traditional nine-day Hispanic celebration retelling Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem through nightly processions. Participants carry candles and sing carols, moving from house to house until welcomed inside for prayer and sharing refreshments. In the Philippines, the Simbang Gabi novena offers dawn masses each day, culminating on Christmas Eve with special liturgies. Both customs blend religious devotion with community fellowship, featuring festive foods, piñatas, and symbolic reenactments. Families decorate altars, prepare tamales or bibingka, and gather for overnight vigils or early morning worship. These beloved traditions enrich the Advent season, deepening anticipation for Christmas with cultural uniqueness and spiritual reflection.

Saint Adelaide of Italy (c. 931–999) served as Holy Roman Empress and later as a Benedictine abbess recognized for her compassionate leadership. Following her marriage to Emperor Otto I, she used her influence to support orphanages, churches, and monastic communities. After becoming a widow, she founded and reformed convents, dedicating her life to prayer and service. Canonized in 1097, Adelaide is venerated for her role in politics and her deep spiritual legacy. Churches named in her honor hold special liturgies, readings, and reflections on her acts of charity. Celebrants draw inspiration from her devotion, advocating for social welfare and compassionate governance.

Haggai, active around 520 BC, is honored on December 16 for his pivotal role in motivating the Jews to rebuild the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His short prophetic book emphasizes themes of spiritual renewal and the importance of restoring God's house. Haggai's messages, delivered during times of hardship, call for prioritizing faith and communal responsibility. Liturgical observances include readings from the Book of Haggai and sermons on perseverance and hope. Scholars and worshippers study Haggai's concise prophecies to draw lessons on leadership and divine promise. The feast connects modern believers to the enduring legacy of restoration and faithfulness in Jewish and Christian traditions.

On December 16, the Episcopal Church commemorates architects Ralph Adams Cram (1863–1942) and Richard Upjohn (1802–1878), and artist John La Farge (1835–1910). Upjohn, known for Gothic Revival churches like Trinity Church in New York, helped shape American Anglican architecture. Cram's influential designs, including the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, set a standard for modern Gothic ecclesiastical structures. La Farge pioneered stained glass techniques, creating vibrant windows that enhanced worship spaces nationwide. The feast celebrates the fusion of architecture and art in spiritual settings, reflecting aesthetic and devotional values. Parishes may host architectural tours, art exhibitions, and special liturgies to honor these visionaries.

Each year on December 16, the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar commemorates biblical prophets, early martyrs, and venerated church fathers. Services for the day include the chanting of troparia and kontakia specific to each saint at Vespers and Matins. Faithful often attend liturgy to honor these figures and seek their intercessions. Icons depicting the commemorated saints are prominently displayed and venerated in churches. In some regions, special processions and communal meals follow the services to celebrate the saints’ legacies. Regional customs vary, with some communities incorporating local hymnography and charitable gatherings to deepen communal bonds.

Las Posadas commemorates the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. From December 16 to 24, families and neighbors participate in nightly processions called posadas, traveling door to door while singing traditional carols. Hosts at each stop initially deny entry, reenacting the story, before inviting participants inside to share prayers and refreshments. These gatherings often feature the breaking of colorful piñatas filled with candies and fruits, symbolizing the struggle and hope of the Nativity. Participants enjoy traditional foods such as tamales and buñuelos and engage in communal prayer and fellowship. Las Posadas fosters a spirit of hospitality and community, strengthening bonds among neighbors and celebrating faith and tradition.

Simbang Gabi, known as the Night Mass, is a devotional practice observed in the Philippines from December 16 through Christmas Eve. Participants attend early morning Masses, often held before sunrise, as an act of faith and anticipation of Christ's birth. The tradition dates to Spanish colonial times when farmers and fishermen began their day early, making dawn services more accessible. After Mass, communities share festive treats such as bibingka (rice cakes) and puto bumbong (purple rice delicacy) served from outdoor stalls. Many faithful ring church bells or carry lanterns in procession to the church grounds, creating a luminous and joyous atmosphere. Completing all nine Masses is believed to grant special petitions or blessings. Simbang Gabi highlights community solidarity and deep cultural roots, blending religious devotion with Filipino hospitality and culinary heritage.