Advent Season

The Season of Advent

Advent Wreath

Advent is a spiritual season of preparation before Christmas celebrated by many Christians. In Western Christianity, the season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24.

Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. During this time, Christians observe a season of prayer, fasting and repentance followed by anticipation, hope and joy.

Many Christians celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming at the end of time.

Origins of Advent

According to the Catholic tradition, Advent began sometime after the 4th century as a time of preparation for Epiphany, and not in anticipation of Christmas. Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ by remembering the visit of the magi and, in some traditions, the Baptism of Jesus. At this time new Christians were baptized and received into the faith, and so the early church instituted a 40-day period of fasting and repentance.

Later, in the 6th century, St. Gregory the Great was the first to associate this season of Advent with the coming of Christ. Originally it was not the coming of the Christ-child that was anticipated, but rather, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

By the Middle Ages, the church had extended the celebration of Advent to include the coming of Christ through His birth in Bethlehem, his future coming at the end of time, and his presence among us through the promised Holy Spirit. Modern-day Advent services include symbolic customs related to all three of these "advents" of Christ. 

What Denominations Celebrate Advent?

Advent is primarily observed in Christian churches that follow an ecclesiastical calendar of liturgical seasons to determine feasts, memorials, fasts and holy days: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican/Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian.

Today, however, more and more Protestant and Evangelical Christians are recognizing the spiritual significance of Advent, and have begun to revive the spirit of the season through serious reflection, joyful expectation, and even through the observance of some of the traditional Advent customs.

Symbols of Advent

The images that we see around us during the Advent, the four weeks of spiritual preparation leading up to Christmas day, are rich with meaning and traditions. Everything from the tree we put up to the images seen on Christmas cards have a special meaning and purpose during the season.

Much of the symbolism associated with advent is associated with the advent wreath.

For a detailed history of advent wreath,  click the online source below for more info:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0132.html

The advent wreath is typically a circular wreath made of evergreen branches with five candles, three purple, one pink, and one white, arranged on the wreath.  

The circular shape is a symbol of eternity.  

The evergreens used on the wreath symbolize hope and renewal.

The five candles together on the advent wreath symbolize Jesus being born as the light of the world. 

The first purple candle is the prophet’s candle, and it symbolizes hope. 

The second purple candle is the Bethlehem candle. It represents Christ's manger and symbolizes love. 

The third candle is pink and it is called the shepherd's candle. The shepherd's candle symbolizes joy.

The fourth candle is purple and is called the Angel's candle. It symbolizes peace. 

The final candle, Christ’s Candle, is white and it is lit on Christmas Eve. The white candle symbolizes Christ who has come into the world to save it from its sins.

The traditional colors of Advent are purple, pink, and white.  Each of these colors are represented in the candles of the Advent wreath.  

Purple is a color associated with repentance as a reminder to prepare internally the coming holiday. It is also associated with royalty, in anticipation of the birth of the coming king.  

Pink is used during the third Sunday of advent and it represents joy. It marks a shift in the season away from repentance towards rejoicing. White is associated with purity. The white candle in the center of the advent wreath represents the sinlessness of Jesus.

The bells that are associated with Christmas are a symbol of worship. They are a reminder of the angel's announcement of the birth of Christ followed by a joyous song. The dove is also often seen in Christmas decorations and it is a symbol of peace.

The evergreen trees uses for  Christmas trees are a symbol of life, hope and renewal. The evergreen tree is an exceptionally apt symbol in the winter since it has retained its greenery when all other trees have lost their leaves. The round ball-shaped Christmas ornaments used on Christmas trees are a symbol of eternity and endlessness.

They are also a symbol of the world that Christ came to save. The star at the top of the tree is a symbol of Jesus, called the "bright and morning star" in Revelations. The star also symbolizes Epiphany, the day the three wise men visited Jesus, a reminder that all wise men follow the star.

Advent in the Philippines, Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass. 

Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.

Origin

Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass.

During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. It is also believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.

Simbang Gabi Now And Then

The changing of times does not break the preservation of celebrating Simbang Gabi although it is celebrated in new ways. Still, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues. Part of it are the colorful lights and lanterns that fill every street. Beautiful parols are hung in every window. Songs of the season are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends and even individuals find its way going to the nearest church to attend the nine-day novena. Shortly after the misa de gallo, families gather in their homes to celebrate Noche Buena and feasted on various delicacies like queso de bola, bibingka, puto bungbong, or a drink of salabat or hot chocolate. 

Significance

Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

Celebrating Advent in the family, click the link: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2140260/posts

Sources:

http://christianity.about.com/od/christmas/tp/allaboutadvent.htm

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/46714/traditional_advent_symbols_and_their.html?cat=34

http://www.rcam.org/library/SIMBANG_GABI.htm

Photos:

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldgln64c2c1qbeg11.jpg 

http://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2009/11/advent-wreath.html

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

The Miraculous Medal

http//:www.marys-touch.com

The Miraculous Medal was given to us by Our Lady to remind us of Her love and protection. When she appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in Paris on November 27, 1830, Our Lady told Sister Catherine, "Have a medal struck on this model. All who wear it will receive great graces." 

On the front of the medal appears Our Lady with Her hands outstretched. The words, “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee”, encircle her image.

On the reverse side, the capital letter M appears with a bar surmounted by a cross. Under these is the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Twelve stars frame the images on this side of the medal. 

Mary Appears to Saint Catherine Laboure

On the eve of the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, July 19, the Sister Superior spoke to the novices about the virtues of their Holy Founder and gave each of them a piece of cloth from his surplice. Catherine earnestly prayed to Saint Vincent that she might with her own eyes see the mother of God. 

Saint Catherine Laboure

 She was convinced that she would see the Blessed Virgin Mary that very night; and in her conviction, Catherine fell asleep. Before long, she was awakened by a brilliant light and the voice of a child. "Sister Laboure, come to the Chapel; the Blessed Virgin awaits you." Catherine replied: "We shall be discovered."

The little child smiled, "Do not be uneasy; it is half past eleven, everyone is sleeping... come, I am waiting for you." She rose quickly and dressed. The hall lights were burning. The locked chapel door swung open at the angel's touch. Amazed, Catherine found the Chapel ablaze with lights as if prepared for midnight Mass. Quickly she knelt at the communion rail, and suddenly, she heard the rustle of a silk dress... the Blessed Virgin, in a blaze of glory, sat in the director's chair. The angel whispered: "The Blessed Mother wishes to speak with you."

Catherine rose, knelt beside the Blessed Mother and rested her hands in the Virgin's lap. Mary said:

"God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary. Tell your spiritual director all that passes within you. Times are evil in France and in the world."

A pain crossed the Virgin's face.

"Come to the foot of the altar. Graces will be shed on all, great and little, especially upon those who seek for them. You will have the protection of God and Saint Vincent. I always will have my eyes upon you. There will be much persecution. The cross will be treated with contempt. It will be hurled to the ground and blood will flow." Then after speaking for some time, the Lady like a fading shadow was gone.

Led by the child, Catherine left the Chapel, marched up the corridor, and returned to her place in the dormitory. The angel disappeared and as Catherine went to bed she heard the clock strike two.

Mary Reappears

Catherine lived the normal life of a novice of the Daughters of Charity until Advent. On Saturday, November 27, 1830, at 5:30 p.m., she retired to the Chapel with the other Sisters for evening meditation. Catherine heard the faint swish of silk... she recognized our Lady's signal. Raising her eyes to the main altar, she saw her beautiful Lady standing on a large globe.

The Virgin spoke, this time giving a direct order: "Have a medal struck as I have shown you. All who wear it will receive great graces."

Catherine asked how she was to have the medal struck. Mary replied that she was to go to her confessor, a Father Jean Marie Aladel saying of this saintly priest: "He is my servant." Father Aladel at first did not believe Catherine; however after two years, he finally went to the archbishop who ordered two thousand medals struck on June 20, 1832. When Catherine received her share of these first medals from the hands of the priest she said: "Now it must be propagated."

The spread of a devotion to the medal urged by Saint Catherine was carried out so swiftly that it was miraculous itself.

 

The Silent Life of Saint Catherine Laboure

We might expect that praise and prominence would be the lot of one so favored by heaven. But she sought none of it; rather, she fled from it. She wanted to be left alone to carry out her humble duties as a Daughter of Charity. For over forty years, she spent her every effort in caring for the aged and infirm, not revealing to those about her that she had been the recipient of our Lady's medal. The Sisters with whom she lived held her in the highest esteem, and each one longed to be her companion.

In 1876, Catherine felt a spiritual conviction that she would die before the end of the year. Mary Immaculate gave Catherine leave to speak, to break the silence of forty-six years. To her Sister Superior, Catherine revealed the fact that she was the sister to whom the Blessed Mother appeared. On the last day of December, 1876, Saint Catherine passed on - once again to the hands of Mary - this time, however, in heaven. Today her beautiful remains still lie fresh and serene.

Her incorrupt body

When her body was exhumed in 1933 it was found as fresh as the day it was buried. Though she had lived seventy years and was in the grave for fifty-seven years, her eyes remained very blue and beautiful; and in death her arms and legs were as supple as if she were asleep. Her incorrupt body is encased in glass beneath the side altar at 140 Rue du Bac, Paris, beneath one of the spots where our Lady appeared to her.

In the Chapel of the Apparition you can gaze upon the face and the lips that for forty-six years kept a secret which has since shaken the world.

Pope Pius XII canonized Catherine in July 1947.

The Meaning of the Front Side of the Miraculous Medal

Mary is standing upon a globe, crushing the head of a serpent beneath her foot. She stands upon the globe, as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her feet crush the serpent to proclaim Satan and all his followers are helpless before her (Gn 3:15).

The year of 1830 on the Miraculous Medal is the year the Blessed Mother gave the design of the Miraculous Medal to Saint Catherine Laboure.

The reference to Mary conceived without sin supports the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, not to be confused with the virgin birth of Jesus, and referring to Mary's sinlessness, “full of grace” and “blessed among women (Luke 1:28) that was proclaimed 24 years later in 1854.

The Meaning of the Back Side of the Miraculous Medal

The twelve stars can refer to the Apostles, who represent the entire Church as it surrounds Mary. They also recall the vision of Saint John, writer of the Book of Revelation (12:1), in which “a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of 12 stars.”

The cross can symbolize Christ and our redemption, with the bar under the cross a sign of the earth.

The “M” stands for Mary, and the interleaving of her initial and the cross shows Mary’s close involvement with Jesus and our world. In this we see Mary’s part in our salvation and her role as mother of the Church. The two hearts represent the love of Jesus and Mary for us. (See also Lk 2:35).

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Posadas Village, Muntinlupa, celebrates its 30th anniversary today, Nov. 27. The 30th year coincides with the 180th year of the apparition of Our Lady to Catherine Laboure in July 1830 in her convent on Rue du Bac in Paris, France.

It has been 30 years since Sept. 7, 1980, when then Papal Nuncio Bruno Torpigliani blessed the new church that was built in 1979 on the 5,000-sq m area donated by the late Doña Estela Posadas. Fr. Teodoro Barquin initiated the request for a donation of land with the approval of then Jaime Cardinal Sin.

The late architect José Maria Zaragoza designed the church with a circular dome and a cross high above it that could be seen from miles around. The first parish priest was Rev. Fr. Victor Elia, C.M.

Sources:

http://2heartsnetwork.org/mirmedal.htm

http://www.indefenseofthecross.com/miraculous_medal.htm

http://catholicmom.webs.com/consecrationpage.htm

http://famvin.org/en/2010/11/28/miraculous-medal-national-shrine-philippines-marks-30-years/

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/sundaylifestyle/sundaylifestyle/view/20101024299360/Our_Lady_of_Miraculous_Medal_shrine_marks_30th_year

http://ememergencyresponsesystems.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html