What Is Catholic Advent Period? Here's Its Definition and Meaning

Illustration of Advent before Christmas (Unsplash)

YOGYAKARTA – Before celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Catholics enter the Advent season. This season is no less important than the moment of Jesus' birth, as all believers direct their hearts and minds in anticipation of Christ's return at the end of time. To understand what the Catholic Advent season is all about, read the following article.

What is Catholic Advent Period?

The 2020 SanMaRe News bulletin published by the Santa Maria Regina Church – Bintaro Jaya Parish explains that the word "advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," meaning arrival. The Advent season can be understood as a reflection on Christ's arrival in the world.

A similar perspective is also outlined on the official website of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Ruteng. In an article titled "Uncovering the Deep Meaning of Advent in the Catholic Church," it states that Advent is a time of preparation for Catholics to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of Each Sunday of Advent

The welcoming of Christ begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent itself is observed for four weeks. Each week of Advent has a different meaning, as follows.

• First Sunday of Advent

This moment marks a time of waiting for Catholics to await the return of Christ at the end of time. This week will be marked by the lighting of the first purple candle.

• Second Sunday of Advent

In the following week, Catholics will be invited to faithfully prepare the way for Christ's return. This second week is marked by lighting the second purple candle.

• Third Sunday of Advent

Known as Gaudete Sunday, this week will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Pink candles will be lit during this week.

• Fourth Sunday of Advent

This moment reflects the birth of Jesus, involving Mary. The final candle, the purple one, will be lit.

Piety in Advent

During Advent, Catholics engage in acts of piety. This tradition has been going on for centuries. The purpose of this piety is to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. During this time, Catholics should also avoid the following seven sins, as reported on the official website of Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya (UKWMS).

• Arrogance is the act of considering oneself superior to others while simultaneously failing to acknowledge one's own weaknesses.
• Envy is the act of disliking the achievements of others, whether in the form of happiness or success.
• Laziness is the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities and obligations.
• Greed is the thirst for worldly possessions or wealth.
• Anger is the failure to control negative emotions, leading to anger without logical reason.
• Lust is the behavior of excessively desiring worldly pleasures.
• Gluttony is consuming, especially food or drink, without regard for the hunger of others.

Besides understanding what the Catholic Advent Season is, visit VOI.id for other interesting information.