Gaudete or "rejoicing" Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent. The third candle on the Advent Wreath is lit and the Church's liturgy becomes more focused on the coming of the Lord at Bethlehem. At this half-way point in Advent, it's time to consider how our Advent preparation has gone so far and how we, like John the Baptist, can "prepare the way of the Lord".
Reflect on the Five Joyful Mysteries with St Josemaria Escriva.
Examine your conscience before Confession with this helpful Examination of Conscience.
While the modern world denies that it is in need of salvation, Mary's sinlessness awakes us to the fact that perfection only comes from God. This Advent, as we await the coming of God who became man to destroy the power of sin, meditate on the final line of the Hail Mary, "Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death."
Just as sin disconnects us from God, Jesus comes to connect us with Him again, by taking us out of hiding and into the presence of His Father. In this blog, Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB explains that this is done first of all - and most clearly of all - in Mary, who was saved from sin at conception.
He may be associated today with Santa Claus, but St Nicholas really existed! A great tradition has sprung up from the life of this 4th-century Bishop, that children put out their shoes on the eve of his feast and wake up to find them filled with coins. But where did this tradition originate? And why is he associated with Santa?
