From a liturgical perspective, the Christmas season concludes with the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.
We were accompanied towards Christmas by an image of a door opening – just as the door for the Great Jubilee in Rome was opened by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve – and by the phrase ‘Jesus is coming and knocking at your door’.
Every Sunday during Advent, the children in catechism class hung symbols on it, linked to words inspired by the readings proclaimed at Holy Mass.
We began on 1 December with the first word, HOPE, linked to the figure of the ANCHOR, a symbol of hope and stability; on the Sunday of the Immaculate Conception, we were given the word TRUST, symbolised by two hands clasped together to form a heart. We too can rediscover trust in our encounter with the Lord. On the same Sunday, the parish Caritas organised a ‘market’ featuring items lovingly crafted by the Gomitolo Group to support those in need.
A LANTERN ushers in the third Sunday of Advent and brings us the word ‘GUIDANCE’. We draw nearer to the birth of that child who came to bring light which, just like that of a lantern, guides our steps, preventing us from losing our way in the darkness.
On the fourth Sunday, the image depicts OIL, a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit, combined with the word BLESSING. It is the same word used by Elizabeth in her greeting to Mary and the same attitude we should learn to adopt towards one another.
Advent in our community has been marked above all by moments of prayer, as desired by Pope Francis in preparation for the Jubilee. These included moments of Lectio, or reflection on the Word, organised in the parish church, and the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception, prepared by our Sisters on the evening of Saturday 7 December, the eve of the Feast.
We were also accompanied towards Christmas by some festive occasions, such as the successful cake sale held after Holy Masses and on the afternoon of 1 December – thanks to the dedication of the many volunteers who helped – the games in the square with the children from the Oratory, the bingo for the grandparents, the gift exchange, and the letters to Father Christmas organised with the volunteers from ‘A Porte Aperte’.
Of course, the Christmas show was a must – and it was a great success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Bianca and Elisabetta, which saw not only the children from the catechism classes taking part, but also other young people from our community.
On Sunday 22 December, the blessing of the nativity scene children took place; furthermore, a number of boys and girls received their commission and vestments as new altar servers. It is wonderful to see the younger generations getting involved and taking part in parish life. A parish is only truly alive through everyone’s commitment to community life. Let us all rediscover the joy of feeling part of one big family.
And in the blink of an eye, here we are at Christmas. That long-awaited child was born… today as then, and we have welcomed him in the various celebrations both in the parish church and at Santuario del Cascinone.
The editorial team, together with Father Massimo, Father Andrea and Father Emanuele, send you all their warmest wishes for the New Year.
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