As we embark on a new year, the Catholic Church observes not one, but two significant periods of renewal and reflection: The Catholic New Year and the Advent season. While the secular world celebrates the start of a new year on January 1, the Catholic Church marks the beginning of its new year on the first Sunday of Advent. But what sets these two periods apart? How do Catholics observe the Catholic New Year and Advent season, and what significance do they hold in the Church’s liturgical calendar? Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Director of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Lagos shed light on these questions. With expertise in Catholic communication, Fr. Godonu spoke on the nuances of these two important periods and offered insights on how Catholics can make the most of this sacred time. Welcome to NETA NWOSU‘s conversation with the Social Communications guru.
What is the significance of the Catholic New Year, and how does it differ from the secular New Year?
The Catholic New Year is a chronological arrangement of Ecclesiastical Seasons, feasts and memorials devised by the Holy Catholic Church in order to make Divine worship more organised, and ordered for the faith education of God’s people. It is different from the Roman (secular) Calendar (January to December) that’s devised to give sense of time and space for the secular world. The Catholic New Year usually begins with Advent Season (from First Sunday of Advent) through the Solemnity of Christ the King (Usually the last Sunday in November), culminating and ending with the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (30th November). Within the Catholic Year, there are five Seasons. Namely: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and the Ordinary Seasons. There are usually Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials that also are celebrated within the Year with fixes designated dates.
Can you explain the meaning and importance of Advent in the Catholic Church?
The word Advent comes from the Latin Vulgate “Adventus,” meaning “Coming”. It is a season set aside by the Church for preparation for twofold coming of Jesus Christ first, as the Saviour who at a time in human history, took flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin, hence the celebration of Christmas, and secondly, his second coming as the Judge of the living and the dead. Therefore, during the season of Advent, the Mother Church calls us to preparations, not only for Christmas, but for the second coming of the Lord Jesus. Advent indeed, has a penitential, hopeful and expectant character. Advent thus is a season of “joyful expectation” of a coming for which we ought to wait in happy anticipation, rather than in penitential preparation for “judgement day”.
How does the Catholic Church celebrate the beginning of a new liturgical year, and what are the key themes and Scriptures for Year C?
The new Liturgical Year in the Catholic Church always begins with the season of Advent with particular attention placed on the specific Year which runs for 3 years cycle (Year A, B, and C). To talk about just a theme for the whole Year C will be limiting the Liturgical readings therein. So, let’s just say each of the divisions of Year C have their peculiar theme as arranged by the Church. According to the Vatican II Council, “Through the Liturgical Year, the Church unfolds the whole mystery of Christ from his Incarnation and Birth to the Ascension, Pentecost and his Second Coming” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, SC 102).
What is the role of Advent in preparing Catholics for the coming of Christ, and how can individuals make the most of this season?
Advent plays a vital role in the life of the faithful in the sense that it helps them to be prepared for the celebration of Christmas and ultimately, to be watchful and ready for the second coming of Christ. One of the reoccurring themes of Advent is ‘being watchful’. Advent therefore, begins our journey of spiritual renewal and readiness in preparation for the twofold of Christ’s coming. Individually, we must prepare our hearts for Christ to come and dwell in us thereby, giving the gift of ourselves. Hence, we must grow in the capacity to love one another as Christ has loved us.
How does the Catholic Church’s emphasis on Advent reflect its commitment to spiritual preparation and reflection?
The Church’s emphasis on Advent is reflected through the call to repentance, and invitation to virtuous life in preparation for twofold of Christ’s coming. Hence, the Sacrament of Reconciliation takes centre stage for the first three weeks, just like the way it is during the season of Lent.
In what ways can Catholics incorporate Advent traditions and practices into their daily lives to enhance their spiritual journey?
Catholics who participate actively and sincerely in the Advent season will find fulfilment in celebration of Christmas and more so, in the readiness for the second coming of Christ. Therefore, such Catholics may find the integration of their Catholic faith into their daily lives.
How does the Church’s teaching on the importance of patience, hope, and preparation during Advent relate to everyday life?
The virtues of patience, and hope are very important to being watchful for the coming of Christ. Hence, the Catholic faithful will do well to live out their vocation in fear and trembling, not in crumbling fear, but the hope that their finality is in heaven.
What are some ways that Catholics can engage with their faith communities during Advent to deepen their understanding and celebration of the season?
Charity and Generosity are foremost in the Christian religion. Hence, every Catholic is expected to share available resources with brothers and sisters in need. This could be in cash or kind. Apart from this, we are called to community prayer through participation in the Eucharistic worship, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Individual and family prayers are also highly encouraged.
How does the Advent season relate to the broader themes of the Catholic Church’s liturgical year, and what can Catholics learn from this connection?
Advent season is the key to having a fruitful liturgical year. Hence, the morning shows the day. We are to integrate ourselves into the life of the Church by actively participating in the Liturgical celebrations. This helps to harmonise our physical life with spiritual life.
What message or hope do you think the Advent season offers to the world, and how can Catholics share this message with others?
The message of Advent is simple: Be prepared at all times not only for Christmas, but, the Second coming of Christ which may be at your death. This is the message all Catholics are to share with the world through
