This Sunday, November 30 marks the beginning of the season of Advent, the preparation for the feast of Christmas. For helpful liturgical background and information on this season, read “Thoughts for an Extraordinary Advent” written by Rev. William Rock, FSSP as well as his article from the Memento. In addition, an excellent resource for all liturgical meditation and study of the history and mystery of each season is The Liturgical Year by Servant of God, Dom Prosper Gueranger.
The St. Andrew Christmas Novena (long version) begins on this day. This novena is prayed 15 times a day from the feast of Saint Andrew till Christmas Eve.
This Sunday, November 30th, is the First Sunday of Advent and the start of the holy season of Advent, Mass times are at 7a.m. (Low), 8:30a.m. (Low) and 10:30a.m. (Sung).
Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment at which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, to hear my prayers and grant my desires. [Mention your intention(s) here] Through the merits of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother. Amen.
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+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897
There is another version of the Saint Andrew Christmas novena, a 9 day version that is prayed from December 16th till Christmas Eve. It includes meditations and prayers.
Please read The Meaning and Misconceptions of The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena.
