from Fr Satheesh

My Dear Parishioners, This Sunday, 3rd December marks the start of Advent. It is the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year and encompasses the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. It is a time of reflection, anticipation and preparation when we can direct our minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time, and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. During Advent there are four candles, one each week, followed by the white candle at Christmas. The first one, violet or light purple, represents God’s People. It is the candle of Hope. The second, also violet, represents the Old Testament Prophets, and is the Candle of Faith. The third represents John the Baptist, and is the Candle of Joy. This is rose-coloured. The fourth, again violet, represents Mary the Mother of Jesus, and is the Candle of Peace. Let us prepare well to welcome our Saviour in our hearts. As we come to the end of our liturgical year, I express my gratitude to all t