For close to fifteen years I was Teacher-Chaplain at Notre Dame High School in Toronto. As many of you know, this is a Congregation de Notre-Dame school for girls in the east end of the city.
When I attended the school myself, I learned for the first time about the season of Advent and the Advent Wreath. The daily Advent prayer over the PA, led by students from home rooms across all the grades, was an important part of the start of our day.
Advent is a time to make connection and allows the eyes of our hearts to see hope unfolding. It is an invitation to look deeply, perceive anew God’s presence in creation, to prepare, to welcome, to wonder, to be surprised and to stand in awe.
On Saturday evening we had a beautiful prayer service in the chapel to begin the season Advent. The theme this year chosen by our Liturgy Committee is Awaken to the Reckless, Cosmic Love of God. During the service, Sister Frances O'Brien, SP, delivered a stirring reflection on the theme where she related it to the times in which we live.