The advent of the annual War on Christmas: the Rhode Island front. Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin bears the standard against the dreaded “Holiday Tree”:
It is sad that such a secular spirit has swept over our state. The governor’s decision ignores long-held American traditions and is an affront to the faith of many citizens. For the sake of peace and harmony in our state at this special time of the year, I respectfully encourage the governor to reconsider his decision to use the word Christmas in the state observance.
Let me part company with the bishop on this one. The lighting ceremony is on December 6–Saint Nicholas Day. Most importantly, most of December is not Christmas, but Advent. With regard for the battle the bishop is trying to fight here, I’d rather keep Christmas between December 25th and January 6th. I’m triangulating out of this war and declaring my own stake in this: let’s stand up for John the Baptist, the Blessed Mother, Elizabeth and Zechariah, the O Antiphons, and purple and rose candles.
Happy (Advent) Holidays, readers!
Catholic Sensibility 
Have you ever publicly supported any Catholic bishop on any position he has taken?
Oh Todd – bravo!