An atmosphere of elation has overwhelmed the suffering Christian Iraqis. Merriment overshadowed Iraq with the news spreading about the intention of the successor of St. Peter, the man of peace and fraternity, His Holiness Pope Francis to visit Iraq in early March 2021.
This is the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, the Latin word gaudetebeing the imperative call to “rejoice” at the nearness of the coming of Christ. Our first reading is from the prophet Isaiah, who tells us of the One to come. He is anointed by the Lord and clothed with the “robe of salvation” and “a mantle of justice.” He rejoices “heartily in the Lord,” for God is the “joy” of his soul.
With life abounding with endless problems, the only option left for people to find possible solution to insurmountable problems is day- dreaming.
With Christmas celebrations to be shortly marked--at a time when they are being concomitant with financial and social problems triggered by the Corona pandemic lockdowns and restrictions that have interrupted people’s lives and brought suffering on a global scale-- His Holiness Pope Francis launched a new book titled, “Let Us Dream”.
Last week, in his first Advent sermon, Cardinal Cantalamessa reflected on the meaning of death. This week, he invited his listeners to meditate on another truth that the pandemic has brought back to the surface, that of the “instability and transience of all things.” “Everything,” he said, “is transitory: wealth, good health, beauty, physical strength.”
Not all Catholics have an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe at home. Technology comes to our aid. From our computers, from mobile phones we can easily find the beautiful Mexican Madonna that Pope Francis invites us to pray to receive the grace of plenary indulgence, extended to all the faithful of the world even remaining in their homes.
The announcement that many people have been anxious and longing to hear for several years finally came on December 8 as Pope Francis declared the beginning of a Year of St. Joseph.
The timing was perfect, coming on the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pius IX declaring St. Joseph as Patron of the Catholic Church and on the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Joseph’s spouse.
December 8, 2020, marks the 150th anniversary of the declaration by Blessed Pius IX.
December 8, 2020, marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pius IX proclaiming St. Joseph as “Patron of the Universal Church.” The timing was providential, for several reasons. The date also celebrated the 16th anniversary of Pius IX’s proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
The Christian observance of Advent is for the preparation for Christmas. It is a time when Christians reflect on the Hebrew Bible, the promises of God, and their fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth. A common theme in Advent observances is the coming of the Messiah. In many ways, the notion of the Messiah has caught the imagination of generations of Christians.
Advent began this year on Sunday, Noember 30. Most Catholics, even those who don’t often go to Mass, know that Advent involves a wreath with some candles, possibly a “calendar” of hidden chocolates, and untangling strings of Christmas lights.
But Advent is more than that. Here are a few points that might help you have a great Advent this year:
What is Advent?
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
