The Novena consists of a nightly Rosary and a Mass in which the homily focuses on a particular aspect of Our Lady—Cause of Our Joy, Health of the Sick, Mother of Fairest Love, etc. And, as is the custom at SMA, other priests hear confessions before (and, as it inevitably happens, during) Mass.
This Advent custom is something we always look forward to, as Jocelyn and I attended most nights of the Novena—shortly before we started dating—during our senior year of college ten years ago, when it wasn't nearly as well attended as it has been in recent years. (St. Mary of the Angels is also the church where we were married.)
This year's celebrants include Cardinal George, Bishop Joseph Perry, Bishop Francis Kane, Fr. Frank ("Rocky") Hoffman, and the one and only Fr. Richard Simon.
With our increasingly large family, it's harder for us to go as often as we'd like, but we're always able to make it at least one of the nights. If you're in the area, I'd encourage you to do the same—or, better yet, to go more often.
The Novena starts today, November 30, the feast of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
The full schedule is here.
1 comment:
Hi, John. I hope You and Your family had a chance to hear Fr. Edward Maristany preach at the Monday night novena Mass. He delivered a great message. If You haven't heard it and are interested, You can download it from Relevant Radio. Cheers, John Robin.
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