Christmas Carol, excommunicated December 20, 2016culture, HomeAdolphe Adam, Casey Jones Costello, Catholic Church, Christmas carols, February Revolution, Montovani, O Holy Night, Placide Cappeau, Revolutions of 1848 By Carol Douglas The Church recognized the song for what it was—a pop tune, not sacred music—and its composers as primarily socialist reformers, not Catholics. It was excommunicated and would stay that way for decades.