Video Transcript

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving. This traditional American celebration is often called the “kick off” of the holiday season. It is a time when loved ones gather together, count their blessings, give praise to God, and look for opportunities to help others. Undoubtedly, this year will be different than in the past. I imagine that fewer will be physically present around the Thanksgiving table, and that the absence of loved ones will be cause for grief and heartache. Please remember to pick up the phone and call those who can’t join you in person. Though they may be out of sight, don’t let them feel forgotten.

Just a few days after Thanksgiving, on November 29^th, the Season of Advent will begin, ushering in a new year of the life of the Church and a prayerful preparation for the coming of the Lord. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says about Advent (#522): “The coming of God’s Son to earth is an event of such immensity that God willed to prepare for it for centuries.” During this brief but holy season of four weeks, God the Father readies our hearts to receive His Beloved Son again. He may do so in little ways that we hardly notice at the time; yet whoever opens his heart with faith will experience the loving presence of God in a fresh and profound way.

Advent is filled with symbolic traditions, the most recognizable being the Advent wreath, found in our churches and in many Catholic homes. Its four candles – three violet and one rose — represent the four Sundays of Advent. The violet color reminds us of Advent’s penitential nature, and the rose color that is lit on the Third Sunday, called Gaudete Sunday, which means “rejoice,” because “the Lord is near.”

Another common tradition is the Advent calendar, a delightful way to help children understand the exciting anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus.

As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the coming of the Lord, I recommend that you go to confession, and make some extra acts of penance, prayer, and charity. Many families take part in their parish “Angel Tree” program, providing Christmas gifts for children and families in need. Finally, please know that Bishop Nevares and I are praying and giving thanks to God for all of you who are entrusted to our pastoral care. It is an honor to serve as your spiritual father. You remind us of the words of a loving mother who said: “Our children are frequently called expensive; to us, you are priceless.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, pray for us. May Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.