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Fairfield U. Tree-Lighting Takes Starring Role In CBS Christmas Eve Special

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — It's the most wonderful time of the year! And to celebrate the season, CBS will air a one-hour special on the holiday season called “Christmas Eve with Fairfield University,” which was taped entirely on campus. 

The tree lighting at Fairfield University will be part of a Christmas Eve special to air nationally on CBS.

The tree lighting at Fairfield University will be part of a Christmas Eve special to air nationally on CBS.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Lucas, the Fairfield University mascot stag, makes an appearance at the tree lighting.

Lucas, the Fairfield University mascot stag, makes an appearance at the tree lighting.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The show, which was taped earlier this month at the university's tree-lighting ceremony outside the chapel, will be broadcast nationally.

"This is truly a one-of-a-kind special, and we can’t wait to share our Stag spirit on Christmas Eve," said Jennifer Anderson, vice president of marketing and communications at Fairfield University. “We’re so excited about the opportunity to showcase Fairfield to homes nationwide.”

The show offers a window into the holiday season at a modern Jesuit Catholic University in New England. It was produced exclusively at Fairfield University. 

The program will feature musical performances by the University Glee Club, Professor of Music Brian Q. Torff and New Duke, the alumni band The Lionfish, and a special tree-lighting ceremony. There will also be personal reflections from a variety of Fairfield University students, Jesuits, and others, and is meant to be a window into the life and spirit of the University community in the prelude to the holidays.

Lucas, Fairfield’s stag mascot, also makes an appearance. The tree-lighting was open to the public this year as part of the taping. 

The opportunity to create the program for the national network came after alumnus John P. Blessington a senior executive producer at the network for over 30 years, contacted the University and presented the idea. He cited Fairfield’s commitment to Ignatian values of service to others and faith in the fellowship of the human family.

Since 1948, CBS’s Religion and Culture department has reported on a wide range of faith-based and human-interest stories, such as religious freedom, food and spirituality, mindfulness, and global stewardship.

Set your DVR: "Christmas Eve with Fairfield University" will air at 11:35 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, on WFSB in Connecticut and at 12:05 a.m. Monday, Dec. 25, on WCBS in New York. 

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