Lent is a period of forty days before Easter Sunday, during which we are invited to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. It is a time of penance, fasting, and prayer to remind us as believers of Jesus’ own forty-day fast before His Passion. During Lent, we are called to repent, believe in the Gospel, and focus on prayer, penance, fasting, and generous aid to others as means of entering into a renewal of spirit and community. The season of Lent precedes and prepares for Easter, serving as a time to hear the Word of God, convert, prepare for Baptism, reconcile with God and one’s neighbour, and engage in prayer, fasting, and good work. Lent is also a time for more intense prayer, interceding for those in need, and cultivating a lifestyle of sharing and responsibility.
Why Lent is Important for our Conversion?
Spiritual Preparation: Lent is a period of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that mirrors Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert. It is a time for spiritual preparation, reflection, and repentance in anticipation of Easter, the most important feast of the Christian calendar.
Repentance and Conversion: Lent is a time for believers to turn away from sin, seek forgiveness, and grow closer to God. Through practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, Christians strive for personal conversion and spiritual renewal.
Mourning Christ’s Passion: Lent provides an opportunity for Christians to reflect on and mourn the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. By meditating on Christ’s Passion, believers deepen their appreciation for the immense love and mercy demonstrated by his death on the cross.
Renewal of Baptismal Promises: Lent is a time for Catholics to prepare for the renewal of their baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil. Through prayer and penance, believers recommit themselves to living out their faith and following the teachings of Christ.
Preparation for Easter: Lent culminates in the celebration of Easter, the most important feast in the Christian calendar. By observing Lent, Christians are better prepared to fully participate in the joy and significance of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Overall, Lent is a time for deepening faith, seeking reconciliation with God, and renewing commitment to living a life in accordance with Christian values. It is a season of spiritual growth, self-examination, and preparation for the celebration of the central mystery of the Christian faith, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During the period of Lent we are encouraged to practice of:
Prayer: Lent is a time for intense prayer, where believers are called to turn to God with confidence, enter into communion with Him, and intercede for those in need.
Fasting: Fasting during Lent should not be a mere formality but a practice that challenges one’s sense of security, benefits others, and cultivates a lifestyle of sharing and caring for those in need. It involves choosing a sober lifestyle, avoiding wastefulness, and attuning hearts to the essentials and sharing.
Almsgiving: This practice represents a specific way to assist those in need, an exercise in self-denial to free oneself from attachment to worldly goods, and a means to respond to the needs of others through divine goodness. Almsgiving helps believers overcome the temptation of material riches and fosters a spirit of sharing with others.
The work of Charity: Alongside prayer and fasting, engaging in works of charity is emphasised during Lent. These works of charity are seen as pleasing worship to God and serve as a reminder of the need for a more just distribution of goods, allowing everyone to live in dignity and protecting creation.
Therefore, during the period of Lent, we are called to participate in prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and works of charity to deepen our relationship with God, grow in selflessness, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter.
Because the Lunar New Year holiday was long enough to unwind, the fathers and brothers went trekking at A-Ma mountain on February 12, 2024. Tianhou Palace and the monument of Goddess A-Ma are the landmarks of A-Ma Mountain, which is located atop Dieshi Mountain, Macau’s highest point. Upon reaching the peak, images were shot at Instagrammable locations. Later on, hungry stomachs were satisfied with a scrumptious lunch.
“Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love,”
Advent celebration is a significant time in the Christian liturgical calendar that marks the anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It is important to meditate on the theme of Advent.
Advent: A Time of Hope:
Hope is a central theme during the Advent season. It symbolizes the anticipation of the coming of Christ and the promise of salvation. The Advent wreath, with its four candles representing the weeks leading up to Christmas, serves as a visual reminder of this hope. As Christians light each candle, they are reminded of the hope that Christ’s birth brings to the world. The prophet Isaiah’s words, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV), encapsulate the essence of hope during Advent.
Advent: A Time of Peace:
Peace is another significant theme during Advent. It represents the tranquillity and harmony that Christ’s birth brings to humanity. The birth of Jesus is often referred to as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). During this season, Christians are encouraged to seek inner peace and promote peace in their communities. Advent season serves as a reminder to reconcile with others, forgive, and strive for unity. The angelic proclamation of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14) resonates deeply during this time.
Advent: A Time of Joy:
Joy is a theme that permeates the Advent season. It represents the overwhelming happiness and delight that comes with the anticipation of Christ’s birth. The birth of Jesus is seen as a source of great joy, as it brings salvation and redemption to humanity. Advent season encourages believers to embrace this joy and share it with others. The angel’s words to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10), encapsulate the essence of joy during Advent.
Advent: A Time of Love:
Love is a fundamental theme during Advent. It represents the unconditional love of God, who sent His Son to the world as a demonstration of His love for humanity. Advent season calls Christians to reflect on this love and to extend it to others. It is a time to show compassion, kindness, and generosity to those in need. The verse, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16), encapsulates the essence of love during Advent.
To sum up, the Advent celebration holds immense significance in the Christian faith as it prepares believers for the birth of Jesus Christ. The themes of hope, peace, joy, and love are central to this season, reminding Christians of the profound impact of Christ’s birth on humanity. Advent serves as a time of reflection, anticipation, and spiritual growth, encouraging believers to embrace these themes and embody them in their daily lives. By understanding the essence of Advent and its themes, Christians can deepen their faith and experience a renewed sense of hope, peace, joy, and love during this sacred season.
Rev Fr. David Goodill, O.P. (Photo Credit- Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, USJ FB)
The community attended a theology public lecture presented by Rev Fr. David Goodill, O.P., a visiting professor at the University of St. Joseph, on the evening of November 24th. The topic is “Making Hope Real,” which is a reflection on the Christian concept of Hope. The lecture examined how St. Thomas’ understanding of hope is informed by his understanding of the cardinal virtues.
The talk was integrated with the Vespers of the memorial of Saint Andrew Dng-Lc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs. The magnificent 16th-century St. Dominic Church was filled with the chanting of psalms conducted by the friars.
Students and teachers from the faculty of philosophy and religious studies, including the dean of the faculty, Fr. Cyril Law, as well as sisters from several congregations and other interested parties, were there.
Following the talk, group photos were taken. Indeed, it was an evening rich with intellectual and spiritual nourishments.
Group photo after lecture (Photo Credit- Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, USJ FB)
The Priory celebrated the birthdays of November-born fathers and a brother.
The celebrants were Fr. Legido, Fr. Athanasius, Fr. Lawrence and Br.Neri. The community greeted them with warmest wishes on their special day.
It was a joyous occasion that brought everyone together in celebration of community life and fraternity.
