OUR LADY OF ADVENT

I am sure you are all aware that today is the first Sunday of Advent.  It is (or it should be) that quiet time to prepare our hearts and souls as we wait with Mary for the coming of her Holy Child. 

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

Cardinal Leon Joseph Suenens wrote: "Always and everywhere, Mary is 'Our Lady of Advent': she who predisposes us, opens our hearts, strengthens our weakness, and overcomes our resistance.  It is her special function to free us from all that is opposed to God's action in us.  She detaches us from ourselves, purifies us, and unburdens us so as to prepare ample room in us for Our Lord.  For such, in fine, is her whole office.  I unite myself to her, and to her influence, now in order that Christ may grow in me"

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.