First Sunday of Advent

Today we begin my most favorite time of year – Advent. The word "Advent" means "coming" and refers to the anticipation of Jesus Christ's birth on Christmas and his eventual second coming. I love Advent as it is the preparation time for Christmas. It is also a very busy time. As we prepare for Christmas let us take time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Let us develop a little space where God can dwell within us, and we can be in the stillness with our God of love and mercy.

From the Advent candle we begin to light this week until we experience the glory of Christmas in four weeks, a single flame of hope will grow brighter as me move toward our celebration of the incarnation at Christmas. Being “awake” as both our second reading and gospel call us to be, includes being attentive to the goodness, not just the darkness, in our world. Let us be intentional in this time of naming the hope we see in our communities and in our world. In doing so, we prepare not only our hearts but the hearts of others to embrace and believe in the mystery of the incarnation, Christ’s presence that overcomes any of humanity’s actions that attempt to dim the light.

From our JPIC Team:

In the darkness of winter, we approach the holy season of Advent, 
preparing ourselves to be bearers of the light and hope
of God's own Love Incarnate.

If you are looking for some inspiration this Advent, 
here are links to several possibilities:

•  Advent Simplicity Challenge
• Advent Serviceberry Book Group
• Advent Calendar from Boston College
• Dilexi Te Reflection Guide (Network)

Feast of Christ the King

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, the last Sunday in Ordinary time. Christ the King Sunday celebrates the reign of Jesus Christ as the spiritual ruler of the universe. Established to counter secularism and remind people of Christ's authority over all earthly powers, it concludes the liturgical year and serves as a reminder to surrender our will to Christ. The celebration highlights Jesus's kingship, his redemption through sacrifice, and the ultimate hope of his eternal kingdom. 

Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in 1925 to remind people that Christ's authority is supreme, especially in a time of rising nationalism and secularism. The feast day affirms that Jesus is the divine King of the Universe, a spiritual and eternal ruler, not a political one. It serves as a reminder for Christians to place their ultimate allegiance in Christ, their spiritual leader, rather than in any earthly power.

Christ the King Sunday is celebrated on the last Sunday before Advent, bringing the church year to a close with a reflection on Christ's life, teachings, and his coming kingdom. It highlights Christ's kingship as one of service, sacrifice, love, and redemption, rather than one of military might. His crucifixion and resurrection are seen as vindication of this authority. 

Today as we celebrate Christ the King let us be bold enough to petition a place beside Jesus. Let us be bold enough to follow Jesus and willing to give all for Him.

World Kindness

World Kindness Day 2025 is a global observance dedicated to promoting and celebrating acts of kindness. This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity.

World Kindness Day is an annual event that encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives. It highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation to create a more harmonious and caring world.

World Kindness Day was observed on November 13^th. Participating in World Kindness Day was a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference in the world. Here are some of the ways people got involved:

• Perform Acts of Kindness: Throughout the day, people consciously performed acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, complimenting a colleague, or donating to a charity.
• Spread Positivity: Shared uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.
• Volunteer: Offered time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.
• Donate: Made a donation to a charitable cause that you believe in, whether it’s for humanitarian aid, education, or healthcare.
• Teach Kindness: Educated children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Surprised others with a random act of kindness, such as buying a stranger’s coffee or leaving an encouraging note for a friend.

In a world filled with pain and suffering we need to practice World Kindness Day everyday.

Gratitude

 From our Ursuline JPIC Team

November, a month of Gratitude!!

 

The vast number of Americans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants and we have much to learn from the Indigenous People who were here before we arrived. So as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and move toward our Thanksgiving holiday, let's reflect on gratitude which is so central to indigenous cultures. Let's be thankful for the earth beneath our feet, the waterways that connect us and quench our thirsts, the plants and animals that provide our food and clothing and for everyone who is part of the fabric of this country. We are all connected and we give thanks for the contributions of each and every one to this country! As we reflect with gratitude, we also recall that the 30th UN climate conference will take place this November in Belém, Brazil. It will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to discuss priority actions  to tackle climate change. COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29. COP 30 Prayer At a time when so many men and women are already suffering from the consequences of global warming, touch our hearts! At a time when everyone, young and old, individuals, communities and states, must make concrete commitments, draw us into Your surge of love! At a time when all of humanity is called upon to tune up for its own future, send us Your Spirit! Amen.

All Souls Day

Today we commemorate All Souls Day, the day we remember those who have gone before us and who are now with God. Many cultures observe this time to remember and celebrate those who they loved and keep their memories alive. Today many people visit their loved ones at the cemetery or build altars to honor the dead. Some cultures celebrate at other times yet share the common theme of remembering and honoring. As we honor those today on All Souls’ Day let us pray for them and to them as we continue our life’s journey.

St. Angela Merici wrote this for those who come after her. “For understand that now I am more alive than I was when I lived on earth, and I see better and hold dearer and pleasing the good things which I see you constantly doing, and now, even more, I want and am able to help you and do you good in every way.” Just as St. Angela continues to be with us so too are those whom we have loved and known. May we always celebrate and honor those who have gone before us. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Two days ago, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a woman graduate of Academia Merici, an Ursuline School in Caracas, Venezuela.

María Corina Machado was given this award for “her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy".

Wonderful example of SERVIAM -- I will serve, and working for social justice.

May our loving God protect her always!

Nobel Peace Prize 2025

Conclusion of the Season of Creation

 

From our JPIC Committee

October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, marks the formal closing of the 2025 Season of Creation. St. Francis’s great love of God’s Creation, commitment to peace, global popularity, and ecumenical and interfaith importance all combine to make him an important inspiration for the Season of Creation, one capable of keeping its focus and energy dynamic through the rest of the year. In the spirit of his feast, we share here the famous Canticle of St. Francis celebrating the wonders of God’s Creation.

Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessings.  To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor, Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, And fair and stormy, all weather's moods, by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water, So useful, humble, precious and pure. Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire, through whom You light the and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth who sustains and governs  us, producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death, from whom no-one living can escape  Woe to  those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your will. No second death can do them harm.