Cutline: BCTV general manager Jay Fadden and director Father Robert Reed share their favorite Christmas memories and discuss the importance of this time of year during the taping of the program “Christmas Reflections 2005.” Photo courtesy BCTV

NEWTON — Beginning Monday, Dec. 19, Boston Catholic Television (BCTV) began airing its special Christmas programming at various times throughout its 24-hour broadcast day. Then beginning at midnight on Dec. 24 and running all day Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Dec. 26, BCTV becomes Boston Christmas Television for 72 hours of non-stop holiday specials. BCTV’s Christmas programming will run through New Year’s Eve.

This Christmas season, BCTV will debut a new special with director Father Robert Reed and general manager Jay Fadden sharing their favorite Christmas memories and discussing the importance of this time of year. Entitled “Christmas Reflections 2005,” it will air Monday, Dec. 19 at noon, Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23 at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m.

Also, a new Christmas edition of BCTV’s popular series “The Rosary” featuring Father Reed will air on days when the joyful mysteries of this powerful prayer to Mary are dedicated. The Joyful Christmas Rosary was taped in the chapel where Boston Catholic Television’s “Daily Mass” is celebrated live each weekday morning. It will air on Saturday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and every Monday and Saturday throughout the Christmas season (through Jan. 7). The foundation of BCTV is its televised Masses and on Christmas Day, Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley will celebrate Mass on WHDH-TV Channel 7 at 7 a.m. on a brand new set.

During BCTV’s Christmas programming from Dec. 19-31, viewers can also enjoy many of BCTV’s Christmas specials featuring BCTV hosts Kevin Nelson and Father Dan O’Connell; Emmy-nominated “A Winter’s Journey” with Aine Minogue; and a variety of Christmas programs for the whole family during BCTV’s children’s blocks weekday mornings and afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Internet users can tune in BCTV’s online broadcast via BCTV’s home page, www.catholictv.org by clicking BCTV LIVE. A complete program schedule is available at the BCTV Web site or by calling 617-965-0050 for a free BCTV Viewer’s Guide.