“Advent has a two-fold nature: It prepares us for Christmas, when we recall Christ’s first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward to his second coming at the end of the ages. Advent is a season of joyful expectation” (GNLY, no 39). During Advent, each Sunday’s gospel focuses on a specific theme. The Old Testament readings, especially from Isaiah, prophesy about the Messiah and messianic times, while the Apostles’ writings offer exhortations and instructions related to the season (Ordo). Members are encouraged to prepare for the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year and Christmas through prayer, caring and sharing.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) honours the Virgin Mary’s apparitions to Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert. The Basilica in Mexico City, where his cloak with her image is preserved, is a major pilgrimage site. Pope John Paul II’s visit 25 years ago led to his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, calling for a new evangelization under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Members are invited to pray the attached prayer in joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth.