A popular Catholic tradition involves designating each of the four weeks of Advent with a particular theme: love, hope, joy, peace. As we light the candles on the Advent wreath or pray together each day, these themes can help to…
As we enter the liturgical season of Advent on December 3, we prepare to commemorate a miracle, a major turning point in the history of the world. We joyfully prepare our hearts to celebrate the day the Son of God,…
Many adventures start with a dream or desire: we may find ourselves seeking a new or deeper life experience. Next comes a road map or outline to help us get from here to there. The time when we are immersed…
Advent is my favourite liturgical season for so many reasons. It provides an opportunity for seeing more of the nighttime sky and the stars. And the night sky plays such an important role in the Christmas story. Advent is a…
Let us go rejoicing! The 1st Sunday of the Advent is upon us. This beautiful season seems to rush past us in the anticipation of Christmas. I hope to slow down this year and savour the candles, the hymns and…
Where did the liturgical year go? We’re almost at the end of this one, with Advent and the new church year just around the corner. I love Advent, but it often flies by before I can really immerse myself in…
We begin a new liturgical year. The God of Light comes into our darkness. Our hope is renewed. Advent calls us to slow down and reflect on the beautiful mystery of our faith and the awesome gift of the Incarnation. Come, Lord Jesus.…
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, encompassing the season we call Advent, our scripture readings at Mass have for centuries inspired some of the world’s most famous paintings. Every significant artist has tackled at one time or another the…
The season of Advent brings us a dual focus. We anticipate encountering Christ in his second coming and in the celebration of his birth at Christmas. We meet God through history, in grace and in hope at the end of times.…
I never really knew what waiting meant until my baby was two weeks overdue. I baked. I read. I walked. I stocked up on diapers and sleepers. Also, my kitchen has never been cleaner. I was attuned to every little…