STEVENSVILLE — In olden days, the Roman Catholic Church would use luminaries to guide the spirit of Christ into people's homes.
Christmas Eve saw luminaries lining the streets of Stevensville and Florence, guiding the community to Jesus.
Members of St. Mary's Mission in Stevensville and St. Joseph's Mission in Florence used nearly 700 luminaries to line the roads and street corners.
A luminary is made of a brown paper bag weighed down with sand, and illuminated from within by a candle.
Some of the luminaries in the display were decorated in honor of loved ones that won't be here this Christmas.
St. Mary's Mission Director of Faith Formation Derek Wherley said this is a tradition they've wanted to continue since the passing of their previous faith director.
He added that for him, creating a physical path to the church reminds the community of the reason for the season.
"It's just a reminder to the community that we all, we're all excited for Christmas, and just the coming together of people to light the way, to share something amazing for this great community of Stevensville," Wherley said.
