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Keeping Tradition Alive At Christmas Mass In Center City

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - While not nearly as popular as the standing-room only Christmas Eve midnight Mass, the dawn-Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia holds special meaning for those in attendance.

In his Homily, Father Gill expressed the joy of the gift of God's only son to the earth.

"God himself has taken on our humanity, the Word has become flesh."

And for some, the morning mass was a chance to reflect on that gift, before moving on to other gifts:

Jericka Duncan reports...

"I think it's kind of the calm before the storm for us. We like to go to Mass in the morning and then we have a lot of nieces and nephews so it's kind of our moment together before all the craziness of ripping off paper and gifts."

Also at Mass, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey who says time with family is an important part of the morning.

"Very special for all of us, I have family from out of town that came in so that means an awful lot because we're able to spend the holiday together."

Reported By Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio.

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