Ruadhán Jones
Archbishop Eamon Martin launched the 2020 online Advent Calendar yesterday [November 24], urging people to use it to “spiritually prepare” during restrictions.
Now in its seventh year, the online Advent Calendar offers resources for the parish, school and for families which can be accessed behind a virtual door each day during the season of Advent.
Archbishop Martin welcomed the calendar, saying it is more necessary than ever during these “trying times”.
“This year, we need more than ever ideas and inspiration to help us delve deeper during our hours of isolation and restriction, to find that glimmer of light, that note of joy, that promise of consolation,” Dr Martin said.
“The virtual calendar offers ideas to help us spiritually prepare for our Lord’s coming at Christmas with thoughtful reflections as well as challenges for change and conversion.”
Dr Martin said he hopes the online Advent Calendar can be a “helpful resource on our ‘journey’ towards Christmas”.
“By clicking on a virtual door we are inviting people to take just five minutes for reflection so as to find moments of peace and to rediscover the true meaning of Advent and Christmas,” he said.
Faith, love, hope
The Archbishop of Armagh praised those who have been “reaching out in generous service” during the pandemic.
He commended the resilience of communities who have been asked to give up so much “for the protection of life, health and our common good”.
“Faith, love and hope – in the home and in church – have been a huge support during these difficult times,” Archbishop Martin said.
“As we continue, in solidarity, to progress together, I invite everyone to be part of #SharingHope this Advent season by availing of the helpful resources on our calendar and through sharing these with others on social media.”
The calendar will go live on www.catholicbishops.ie on the first Sunday of Advent, 29 November next.