A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people closest to my heart!
God bless you and your generous heart
Preparing for Advent
Make Ready For the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ
Advent is a period of special preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
How to Celebrate Lent
Celebrating Advent typically involves a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance, combined with anticipation, hope, and joy. Many of us celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ’s first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming at the end of the age.
Understanding Advent
Let us try to understand and learn the meaning of Advent and this seasonal observance. The word Advent comes from the Latin term “adventus”, meaning arrival or coming, particularly the coming of something having great importance. Advent season, then, is both a time of joy-filled anticipatory celebration of the arrival of Jesus Christ and a preparatory period of repentance, mediation, and penance.
Advent Candles
The Advent candles and their colors are packed with rich meaning. Each represents a specific aspect of the spiritual preparations for Christmas. The three main colors are purple, pink, and white.
- Purple symbolizes repentance and royalty. You will witness our church and all the Catholic churches adorned with purple during Advent because it is the liturgical color of the season.
- Pink represents joy and rejoicing.
- White stands for purity and light.
Each candle of the Advent Wreath carries a specific name as well.
- The first (purple) candle is called the Prophecy Candle or Candle of Hope.
- The second (purple) candle is the Bethlehem Candle or the Candle of Preparation.
- The third (pink) candle is the Shepherd Candle or Candle of Joy.
- The fourth (purple) candle is called the Angel Candle or the Candle of Love.
- The last (white) candle is the Christ Candle.
Let us prepare ourselves worthily and inwardly for the coming of Christ.
Join the Daily Novenas | December 16 – Christmas
As usual, we will have daily novena liturgies at 4:00 p.m. from December 16th to Christmas.
With lots of love and blessings,
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 28, 2023
Pentecost is the birth of the church — the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 21, 2023
When you see a visitor, let us make them feel that they are welcome. Let them feel that it is a community that welcomes people, and loves people. And thanks to all the St Gabriel ministires.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 14, 2023
Celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on Saturday, June 10, & Sunday, June 11, 2023…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 01, 2023
I will celebrate my ordination anniversary on the tenth of May. I feel humbled and blessed that the precious and good Lord has also called me to share in the royal priesthood. The call to priesthood is the biggest precious gift in my life.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 30, 2023
The month of May is here. The month of Mary, our Holy Mother. It is a centuries-old custom of Catholics to dedicate the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 23, 2023
Christ is Risen. Thank You For your Full Participation During Holy Week & thanks to all who make the liturgy of Lent special.