Advent

The 45th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. One of the most festive ways to enjoy the beauty of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, the event featured readings of sections of the Christmas story, choir music, and the singing of carols appropriate to the season. The evening began with a musical procession down the center aisle, setting the tone for a truly memorable celebration. Prayers were offered by Father Julian Cuervo-Lozada, Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral. Readings were proclaimed by The Cat...

Read More

To Prepare Your Heart for the Coming of the Lord Advent, the season of anticipation and preparation, is enriched by hymns that evoke a longing for Christ’s coming. These sacred songs not only stir our hearts but also connect us to centuries of Christian tradition. Among the most beloved is the hauntingly beautiful O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, a hymn whose history and meaning illuminate the spirit of Advent. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The origins of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel trace back to the 8th or 9th century, when the Church used the "O Antiphons" du...

Read More

Mariachi music resounded joyfully through the sacred space of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, as faithful from across the Diocese gathered to honor and celebrate the Annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This cherished tradition brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, uniting them in a vibrant expression of devotion to the Mother of the Americas. The Most Reverend Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, presided over the Mass and delivered a deeply moving homily that resonated w...

Read More

We are all given special talents and gifts from God. One of my special gifts is the ability to rest. I can sit down and fall asleep faster than anyone. At night, my head barely touches the pillow, and I am at rest. I see this as a sign of God’s love. Being able to rest allows us to receive God and receiving Him gives us true rest. As St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” We all need time to rest in our lives. Even God rested on the seventh day of creation. That is why Sunday sho...

Read More

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, the season of Advent beckons Catholic families to prepare their hearts and homes for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In this busy world, where commercialism often overshadows the true meaning of Christmas, there is no better time to turn to the Holy Family as an inspiring example of how to embrace the spirit of the season. At the heart of the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem was humility. Mary and Joseph embarked on a long and arduous journey while Mary was pregnant, and they ultimately found refuge ...

Read More

Beyond the glittering lights and festive decorations, the holy season of Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, there are numerous activities that families can engage in to make this season more meaningful and spiritually enriching.   Advent wreath lighting A beautiful tradition during Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a new candle is lit, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. Our family gathers around the wreath in the ev...

Read More