Fr. Aloysius Horn

Fr. Aloysius Horn (1899 - 1971), a Fremont priest, had a great love for Christmas. He started the American Christmas Crib Society, and in 1941 wrote "A Christmas Chronicle," a book of vignettes of Christmas throughout the ages.

In 1967, he was invited by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson to be part of the Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies at the White House. (Above photo is from an obituary.)

The above article about St. Rose in Lima is from 1935. Note that "a helium halo is used behind the head of the Infant."

In a Catholic Chronicle interview, Fr. Horn said he had been inspired by the elaborate Christmas festivities planned by the Rev. Dr. Seraphin Bauer of St. Joseph parish in Fremont.
An earlier post can be read HERE.

A Christmas Chronicle

In 1941, Fr. Aloysius Horn (1899 – 1971), a native of St. Joseph parish in Fremont, published a book entitled “A Christmas Chronicle.” The book contains more than 80 short vignettes of Christmas throughout the centuries, featuring saints or historical figures. Originally printed by the St. Anthony Guild Press, it was more recently reprinted by the Neumann Press.

Fr. Horn was also an expert on Christmas crèches, starting the American Christmas Crib Society:
http://www.friendsofthecreche.org/historyCrecheSocietiesUS.html