(This article courtesy of the Arlington Catholic Herald.)
Advent helps us (1) to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is recalled and, in the liturgy, relived, and (2) to await Christ’s second coming at the end of time. This Advent season, therefore, is a time of joy-filled expectation and ever-deepening hope. The reminder of St. Paul is so timely. “…it is the hour now for you to wake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand” (Rom 13:11).
Yes, this new church year brings each of us closer to that meeting with the Lord when our earthly life ends and we cross over, with Jesus at our side, to the Father’s House. You and I need to become even more attentive to the various ways in which the Lord comes to us each day: in prayer; in the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist; in His Living Word; and in one another. If we are alert to His coming in these various ways, then, we shall be prepared when He comes for the last time to take us home. As Jesus reminds us: “So too, you also must be prepared, for at a time you do not expect, the Son of Man will come” (Mt 24:44).
During this Advent season — a time of renewed beginnings and fresh hope, let us follow St. Paul’s advice. “Let us throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy” (Rom 11:12-13). Indeed, through prayer, self-discipline, sacramental celebrations, reflection on the scriptures and good deeds, may we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Rom 13:14). I join you in praying: “Lord Jesus, I want to devote Advent to preparing for your coming into the world. Help me to immerse myself in your love through the sacraments, prayer, scripture, and repentance. Let the darkness of my sins give way to your irresistible light” (The Word of God Among Us, Vol. 21, no. 1, p. 20).
From Nov. 23 to Nov. 28, I was privileged to be in the Eternal City. I joined many other pilgrims in Rome for the canonization of four new saints, including St. Leonie Frances de Sales Aviat, the foundress of the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales.
The canonization took place on Sunday, Nov. 25, the Solemnity of Christ the King, in the Basilica of St. Peter. In addition to St. Leonie, three other persons were declared saints by Pope John Paul II: Bishop Joseph Marello, founder of the Oblates of St. Joseph; Sister Paula Montal Fornes of St. Joseph of Calsanz, foundress of the Daughters of Mary, Sisters of the Pius Schools; and Sister Maria Crescentia Hoss, a religious sister of the Third Order of St. Francis.
St. Leonie is such an inviting model of holiness. Her fundamental desire was to be one with God’s will and, thereby, live in deep union with Him. Following the example of St. Francis de Sales and seeking his intercession, St. Leonie prayed: “…Grant me a share of your union with God and of that interior spirit which knows how to do everything in union with Him and nothing without Him” (August, 1871). Seeking God’s will led her to found a religious community of women whose purpose was to form young women in the spirit of the Gospel in Christian virtue, so that they could become articulate witnesses for Christ in society, especially within the family. With this goal in mind, we can readily see how contemporary is St. Leonie, for she recognized the feminine genius and sought to develop its rich potential for the service of the Gospel.
While in Rome, I was privileged to concelebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. This took place on Monday, Nov. 26. It is always a special grace to be with our Holy Father, especially when united with him in the prayer of the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Also joining me at this Mass were Father Lewis Fiorelli, Superior General of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales; Father Mark Mealey, Assistant Superior General of the Oblates and Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Services and Moderator of the Curia on our diocesan staff, and Brother David S. Eddy, CFX, my secretary.
After Mass, I had the opportunity to speak briefly with the Holy Father and I assured him of our loyalty, respect, obedience and prayers. Later that morning, we were present at the audience which our Holy Father gave for all the pilgrims. I know that you join me in praying daily for the Holy Father. Despite advancing age, he resolutely moves forward, giving us all such a strong example of fidelity, pastoral care and zeal. With the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he is so devoted, may he continue “to build the Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world and, with the flock entrusted to him, arrive at length unto life everlasting” (cf. Prayers for the Pope, Manual of Prayers, pp. 279-280).
Yes, we have reflected on many things. Let us, above all, journey with renewed hope and joy-filled expectation as we travel through this new year of grace, joyfully reliving Christ’s first coming at Christmas and confidently awaiting His second coming at the end of time. A blessed Advent to each of you!
