University of The Incarnate Word: Latinas

Featured University-The University of the Incarnate Word
A Christmas Tradition

By: Roxanne Garcia

            Every year in San Antonio, Texas, the University of the Incarnate Word lights up its campus to celebrate the holiday season. This year the twinkling Christmas lights top more than one million that adorn the prestigious campus.

            Beginning in late October, Incarnate Word students begin to see ladders and landscapers all over the 154 acre campus.  The landscapers get a head start on preparing for the “Light the Way” ceremony. The Light the Way ceremony kicks-off the holiday season on the campus. During this ceremony the coveted holiday lights are illuminated.  Students and their families, alumni, faculty, and members of the community are all invited to participate in the ceremony.  The celebration begins with a mass in the university’s chapel, followed by the lighting ceremony. The Light the Way ceremony is truly a site to see. There is music provided by a local high school jazz band, and plenty of food and drinks. Spectators are reminded of what the holiday season is all about and bring a toy to donate to Elf Louise, a local charity that provides Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.

            The holiday tradition was started in 1985 by Dr. Louis Agnese Jr., the president of the University of the Incarnate Word.  Agnese started the tradition in hopes of uniting the community for the holiday season; and he accomplished his goal. From late November into early January the campus remains lit. The lights go on at sunset every night, and are open for the public to view at no cost. On any given night there are dozens of people walking or driving through the campus, taking part in the 22-year-old holiday tradition. Every tree on the campus perimeter is covered with bright twinkling lights which come together to form a whimsical archway for sightseers to pass through. Viewing the Christmas lights at the University of the Incarnate Word has become a tradition for hundreds of people across the city of San Antonio.

Agnese’s vision grows each holiday season. Every year more lights are added and more people come to take part in the tradition.  The lights at the University of the Incarnate Word have become a seasonal event that residents look forward to each year. The lights break down the meaning of the holiday season into its simplest form. They bring friends and family together and give them a charming place to enjoy and reflect on what is most important to them during the holiday season.