Advent: What It Is and How Catholics Celebrate It

Q: What is Advent?

A: Advent is a season in the Church’s life intended to renew the experience of waiting and longing for the Messiah, preparing for Christ’s triumphant second coming and commemorating his birth at Christmas.

Q: What does the word ‘Advent’ mean?

A: The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin “ad + venire” (to come to) and “adventus” (arrival), signifying the arrival of Christ.

Q: How long is Advent?

A: Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, meaning its length can vary between three weeks and one day to a full four weeks.

Q: Does Advent signify a new liturgical year?

A: Yes, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church.

Q: What is the significance of the Advent wreath?

A: The Advent wreath’s candles symbolize Christ as the light of the world, while the evergreen boughs represent new and eternal life in Christ.

Q: Why is one candle pink on the Advent wreath?

A: The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “rejoice” as it signifies being halfway through Advent.

This is a summary of the article from https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-advent-how-to-celebrate. Visit this link to view more.
Advent: What is it and how should it be celebrated?

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

EWTN Africa Live Feed