“Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope…It is the beautiful task of advent to awaken in all of us the memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.”
- Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which is Above, 1986
Last Sunday we celebrated Mary Meagher and Monica Branchaud’s Birthdays in grand style! This time the “invited guests” were the sisters from Marian 1 and 2. It was wonderful being together sharing stories. Mary recalled with much delight some of her childhood memories on the farm. Monica was happy to be there with everyone. It was one of her first celebrations in Kingston. We kept our distance as we chatted and enjoyed some cheer and cake. When it came time for the photo, we momentarily got a little closer and took off our masks! Yet, in spite of these restrictions, as always “a good time was had by all”!
