The first candle is a symbol of the kindly light and of hope that gives us ‘the resolve to run forth to meet Christ’ whose presence dispels darkness.

When we remove all obstacles to Christ’s presence he will come, at any hour or moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts.

We pray for those who are struggling and we ask the Lord to keep them in his care. Amen.

The feast of Saint Nicholas. 

Saint Nicholas was especially devoted to the poor. We ask Saint Nicholas to intercede for all who need his help. Amen.

We ask Mary to watch over all those who are sick this Christmas and to support those who care for them at home and in hospitals. Amen.

​Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. We ask God for strength to be like John the Baptist, preparing the way for the Lord. John the Baptist is presented as a messenger to prepare the way of Jesus. He left his home and comforts to live a different life. He was dedicated to working for God and others. 

A voice cries in the wilderness:

Prepare a way for the Lord,

make his paths straight. (Luke 3:1-6)

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady, overflowing with grace, all creation receives new life from your abundance.

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Immaculate Mary of the people

Mother of the afflicted

Of a heart which was Yes to life

Of a heart which was Yes to the neighbour

Of a heart which was Yes to God,

Of a poor heart welcoming Jesus.

(Brazilian Hymn)

Today we pray for all those living with dementia. May they know in their hearts God’s comforting embrace and continue to realise, as names and memories fade, that they are loved by family, friends, and especially by you. Amen.

Jesus said, ‘Come to me,

all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Feast of Saint Finian of Clonard.

O glorious Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr who gave her life for the church, we venerate your sacrifice for our faith.

“All things must be done with love.”

Pope Francis, Nov 2024

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. Rejoice! For the Lord is near! The joy of the kingdom is anticipated.

“There stands among you, unknown to you, the one who is coming after me.” John the Baptist was a witness sent from God. His is the voice of hope. His words echo through the wilderness of our world and our lives. Before John, Mary was proclaiming the greatness of the Lord. And before Mary, there was Isaiah. He was anointed to bring good news to the oppressed, to help the broken-hearted and to proclaim liberty to captives. Each one – John, Mary, Isaiah – is a witness of hope.

Bless the work of those running food banks and centres; move us to give to them as generously as we can.

Today we pray for all who are housebound and for all those in care facilities. Amen.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us be mindful that many people will be struggling to put food on their tables.

Give us hope, Lord, to steady our steps, for we walk by faith and not by earthly sight.

We give thanks and praise for mothers and fathers, young and old. We remember those who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. Amen

We thank you, Lord, for all that we have: move us to give of our plenty to those who have little.

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent and today we celebrate the Virgin Mary: “I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.”

Mary puts her faith in God and stands ready to do what is asked of her. Can we be open to the working of the Holy Spirit within us and through us?

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May the light of Christ enter our hearts so that we may share the warmth of God’s love with those we meet. 

Pray for all missionaries around the world, who are working to bring God’s love where it is needed.

The Lord is my light and my help.

May Jesus light in our hearts, love, hope and peace. With Mary and Joseph we rejoice in the birth of Jesus. May we welcome Christ as they did. Amen.

Happy Christmas.