Topic archive
Advent
Advent is a season of light. The lighting of the Advent wreath candles during the four weeks of the Advent season reminds us of our closeness to Jesus, the light of God and gift of the Father. Learn about the Faith and Spirituality of Loretto members.
Merry Christmas from Loretto!
From the beginning of Advent to this joyful week of preparation for the second coming of God’s reign of peace, we hear a call to not only pray for peace but to build as we can the Kingdom of our…
The ‘O’ Antiphons: Words of Scripture, words of prayer, windows of joy
The Roman Catholic Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the ”Magnificat” canticle of Evening Prayer from Dec. 17-23, the period of Advent known as the Octave before Christmas. The…
Turning our hearts toward hope and renewal this second week of Advent
As we enter into the second week of Advent, our hearts turn toward hope and renewal. This season invites us to prepare with joy and anticipation. Within this week, we celebrate two major feast days of Mary: We also lift…
Advent: Our Season of Hope
Even though this 2025 Jubilee Year with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope” ended in November, we who are Gospel people believe that God’s gift of hope never ends. Pope Francis in his first message in this special year told us:…
Loretto Shares Advent’s Hopeful Message of God’s Bright Promise
There will be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars … when these things take place, stand up and raise your heads, your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21, from the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent…
Advent at Loretto: Sacred words surround us — be ready, listen, pray
Remember those little calendars every Advent that when you opened the doors for each day of December a short message would appear? Those calendars may have helped some little ones and older folks, too, to satisfy their excitement during the…
Christmas blessings from Loretto!
The O Antiphons, proclamations of the prophets of Israel, bring Advent to a close, lead us to God and tell us the names of God as told through the Old Testament story of salvation history. The Church has been singing…
Loretto Shines Light on Former Loretto Volunteers This Advent
Advent is an invitation time. We are invited to take time during these winter days to see where we are. We are not talking about Christmas shopping! We are talking about listening to how the Spirit of God calls us…
Loretto Wishes You Joy of Heart This Advent: Veni, Veni Emmanuel!
Most Roman Catholic churches do not read the Entrance Antiphon anymore because we are singing instead! But this year the message sets the tone for the Advent we need. It is the Prophet Isaiah telling us God will come to…
The Advent Season: ’In the beginning was the Word’
“In the beginning was the Word.” Those timeless words begin the Gospel of John. Imagine God at home in us! What a mystery, and what a gift! For four short weeks in every celebration of the Church year we keep…
Rejoice! Rejoice! Jesus Is Born, and All Creation Sings!
“O” Antiphon: “O Messiah, Promised One of the Jews, you have given us the mysteries of God and taught us the way of your Kingdom. When someone knocks you give to them freely and without reservation. Come now and free…
Hope: The Very Heart of Loretto’s Mission
The Book of the Prophet Isaiah 61:1 tells us, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; God has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to…