By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald In case you need a refresher on why Catholics and other Christians use Advent wreaths as a way to prepare for the birth of Christ, we turned to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website for a quick summary. “The Advent season is a time of preparation that […]
Advent wisdom — Thomas Merton: Christ is already here!
By Mike Nelson Catholic News Service Waiting has always been a central theme of Advent. But who is it we wait for? The Messiah? Is Our Lord Jesus not already here? Before his death in 1968, Trappist monk Father Thomas Merton — in several of his spiritual writings — suggested that the purpose of Advent […]
Advent wisdom — Henri Nouwen: spiritual patience
By Jonathan Lewis Catholic News Service What are you waiting for this Christmas? We have spent so much time in the last two years waiting. Waiting fearfully to see if we or a family member will get sick. Waiting for a vaccine shot or a test result. Waiting to visit family after months or years […]
Advent Wisdom — Kathleen Norris: Benedictine values
By Effie Caldarola Catholic News Service Waiting isn’t easy, and yet Advent asks of us just that: to wait on the Lord. Sometimes in this busy world, we need some help to put ourselves in a waiting frame of mind. Brew a cup of tea, settle into a comfortable chair and let a good spiritual […]
Advent wisdom — St. Edith Stein: rediscover a place of rest
By Lindsey Weishar Catholic News Service The second reading for the Third Sunday of Advent is a place of personal resonance: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: I believe in St. Nicholas, the birth of Jesus and Santa Claus!
EMBRACING FAMILY By Sarah and David Herrmann Many parents ask us questions, and we share faith-based parenting advice, based on Love and Logic and the Preventive System of St. John Bosco (Reason, Religion, Loving Kindness). We’d like to share some of these with you. Note: This article combines historical truths and Catholic teaching. It was […]
We need a little Christmas … after Christmas
By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald I’ll admit, seasonal creep has been creeping up on me despite my best intentions. While I write this just before Thanksgiving, I still have fall decorations up and they’ll stay up through Turkey Day. But I’m well into Christmas gift shopping, I have my Christmas cards, and I have […]
Other Advent traditions (besides the wreath and calendar)
Learn more about this season of preparation and anticipation By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald Most Catholics are familiar with Advent’s four Sundays, marked with purple and rose candles on an Advent wreath and the opening of doors on Advent calendars. But there are still some more obscure prayers, practices and facts about this season […]
Advent Calendar 2020
We’ve curated a digital Advent Calendar to keep you inspired and learning more this Advent season. There’s an assortment of Catholic content from across the web to enjoy including: – Videos on the saints whose feast days fall during Advent – Local Christmas videos – A reflection for each Sunday of Advent – Videos to […]
Photo: Christmas lights
A volunteer hangs Advent lights on Holy Trinity Church in Kuliouou on Dec. 1 to the delight of commuters along Kalanianaole Highway. “Seeing a church with lights reminds me of the reason for the season,” said one. Lights went up on the trees and walls of the parish property. According to the pastor, Capuchin Franciscan […]
