Catholic Communications photo archive: Mass being celebrated in 2016 in Holy Family Church, Gaza
To coincide with Sunday 3 December, the first day of Advent, Archbishop Eamon Martin will launch the annual Advent Calendar on catholicbishops.ie. 2023 marks the tenth year of this popular seasonal resource. As a digital door is opened for each day of Advent, viewers will enjoy prayers and brief personal video testimonies by lay women and men, young people and clergy.
Welcoming this year’s Advent Calendar Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “Advent is often described as a journey. Over the next four weeks we will journey towards Christmas while reflecting on the big themes and the personalities of the Advent season. Some of the major themes of Advent are: waiting and preparation, darkness and light, and the promise of comfort and hope.”
Archbishop Eamon concluded, “The Advent season speaks loudly of hope, promise and peace and, of course, the message of the Christmas angels: do not be afraid! I thank all the contributors to the 2023 Advent calendar, and I encourage all to set out, as the Magi did, and grow closer and closer to that moment when we experience the joy of beholding Christ our Saviour, born for us on Christmas Day. During this season we also journey inwards to prepare in our hearts, as Mary did, for the light of Christ. Over the next four weeks, let us walk together with family, friends and community so that everyone can experience the good news of this holy season, and in particular those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s New Year, and, for Advent 2023, the online calendar will focus on themes of Peace, and Vocations. It will provide resources for schools, parishes and in the home, to help prepare us spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.
Along with personal testimonies, the calendar’s content will include short video and audio messages, seasonal crafts and prayers to assist in keeping Christ at the centre of our Christmas preparations.
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