St Mary’s Cathedral Advent recollection

Dec 06, 2018

By Cecelia Polo D’Souza
The Parish Catholic Women’s Apostolate collaborated with the Parish Pastoral Council of the Cathedral of St Mary to organise this year’s Parish Advent Recollection on November 24. Themed The Joy of Salvation, the half day recollection was facilitated by Fr Christopher Ireneus and Sr Theresa Martin, fsic and attended by 94 participants.

The Recollection started with the Enthronement of the Bible, followed by a gospel reading and reflection by Sr Regina Kimung fsic. The opening prayer was led by the Parish Rector, Fr David A. Garaman.
Sr Theresa gave the first session, What is Advent?.

She touched on the meaning of ‘Advent:’

-- Brief explanation of the Cycle of Liturgy
-- The origin of the language from which ‘Advent’ comes
-- The focus of Advent
-- The history of Advent

The second session, The Joy of Salvation was conducted by Fr Christopher Ireneus.

He said Advent is the first season of the Church year — the preparation for the coming of Christ. He then explained the symbolic meaning of the four candles of Advent 1) Hope (purple) 2) Peace (purple) 3) Joy (Pink) 4) Love (purple).

1. Hope – to be prepared and ready when Jesus comes again.

2. Peace – The necessity for the people to change their lives for the better. To give peace and be at peace with one’s self.

3. Joy – Rejoice! Jesus really is the special person that we have been waiting for.

4. Love - The love that overflows with small gestures of mutual care so as to build a better world, a contagious love.

Pilis Malim, the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, expressed his gratitude to all the particpants for their attendance. He also thanked Fr Christopher and Sr Theresa for their input. He hopes that after listening to the talks all are aware of the significance of Advent.

The Recollection concluded at 1.00pm with a closing prayer by Fr Christopher.