On a very cold and drizzly Tuesday afternoon, our hearts were warmed as Carolyn Boerboom led us through a lovely contemplative celebration of Advent and The Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The service began with a lighting of the first two candles on the Advent wreath, symbolizing Hope and Peace. The opening prayer reminded us that we honour Mary, the heavenly patron of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in this Advent season.
The first reading, Luke 1:39-45, described Mary’s joyous visit with Elizabeth. We were asked to consider the reading and ponder how God’s love is manifested in the Vincentian’s life and the ways in which Mary can guide and inspire us in the Advent season. The second reading reminded us of the way in which Mary’s heart, filled with wonder and praise magnified the Lord and rejoiced in the love of God. We were asked to use the words of the Magnificat to begin prayers of praise to the Lord.
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
The Almighty has done great things for me.”
We were encouraged to frame our prayers to consider the great things God had done for us.
Carolyn led us in praying a decade of the Rosary following the Second Joyful mystery – Mary’s visit to Elizabeth – appropriately focusing on the love of Neighbours. Frank and Carolyn Boerboom gifted the participants beautiful one decade rosaries that they themselves had made and Carolyn noted that “holding a rosary is like holding Mary’s hand”.
The participants shared a lovely dinner of pizza, snacks and good fellowship. The afternoon was a prayerful, community celebration of Mary, our heavenly patron, and the Advent season of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.