Islanders have just returned from possibly the earliest Christmas Mass of this years festive season which took place at 10 am today to give our faithful Priest Fr. Peter Quelly an opportunity to leave the Island on the last  sailing from the Island at 11am until St Stephens Day. It was well attended and appropriately reflective of the season and as usual the centerpiece was the lovingly decorated crib, to which according to immemorial custom and tradition some of the youngest islanders brought the Holy Infant, again reborn, to start the ceremony. And as usual, our singers led by Aisling and Nora Jane filled the Church with magnificent seasonal hymns, As Gaeilge agus Bearla and also with the timeless and beautiful Latin words of Adeste Fideles. We also enjoyed music and appropriate readings and a poignant reflection on those who have departed our world since we last celebrated this festival. Fr Quelly welcomed all visitors and newcomers, especially those not yet born last year and celebrated also the fact that this year we had amongst us not one but two newly minted doctors from our Community. Towards the end of Mass he even mentioned a letter just received by him from Santa, assuring all the Island children that he would come and that they should be sure to go to bed early tonight. It was a beautiful and uplifting event and was rewarded by an enthusiastic applause from all present all of whom we know, will hope for no better than the festive season on Oileán Cléire should continue in the same vein as it has begun. Safe journey, Fr Queally back to Rockwell, welcome all to carol singing in the harbour at 3.30 pm. Cléire abú.