FEASTS OF THE WEEK
ADVENT
ADVENT
Advent (from, ad-venire in Latin or "to come to") is the season of spiritual preparation consisting of the four weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas. This is a prayerful time for renewing our experience of waiting and longing for the Lord. It is a time of preparation that directs the heart and mind to Christ's second coming, and to the upcoming celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord at Christmas.
Sunday 15th December : THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
GAUDETE SUNDAY
John the Baptist inaugurates the Gospel; already from his mother's womb he welcomes the coming of Christ and rejoices in being "the friend of the bridegroom", whom he points out as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world".
Gaudete Sunday
Like Lent, Advent is a penitential season, so the priest normally wears purple vestments, but on Gaudete Sunday, having passed the midpoint of Advent, the Church lightens the mood a little, and the priest may wear rose vestments. The change in colour provides us with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation - especially prayer and fasting - for Christmas. For this same reason, the third candle on the Advent wreath, lit today, Gaudete Sunday, is traditionally rose-coloured.
Wednesday 18th December : St. Flannan
He lived in the seventh century and was the sone of a king of Thomond. He entered Molua's monastery at Killaloe and became abbot there. He is remembered as a great preacher.
Friday 20th December : St. Fachanan
Although little is known with certainty about Fachanan, a strong tradition from early times links him with Kilfenora and records that he founded a church or monastery there in the sixth century. He is venerated as the patron of the diocese of Kilfenora, now part of Galway.
Saturday 21st December : St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597)
Was born in Holland. He intended to become a lawyer but joined the Jesuits. Through courtesy and learning he promoted the Catholic revival after the Council of Trent. His greatest work was a catechism of 211 questions and answers, published in 1555.