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 | November 19, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Let us thank the Lord for the blessings and graces that he bestows upon us. “Thank you!”
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 12, 2023
Get Ready to Celebrate Thanksgiving. Remembering all our blessings. In two weeks, we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The whole of our blessed nation, America, is getting ready for all the celebrations.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 05, 2023
Understanding Purgatory + Praying for the deceased. The custom of praying for the dead is rooted in the very nature of heaven. The custom of praying for the dead is rooted in the very nature of heaven. The Bible indicates that there can be nothing imperfect in heaven…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 29, 2023
You are part of the Saint Gabriel Community. Full-time or Seasonal Resident – you are a vital part of the St. Gab’s community. Register or Update Your Registration at St Gabriel Pompano Beach, Florida + Get involved! Join a group or ministry. Invite a friend.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 22, 2023
Welcome back seasonal parishioners. Encourage all your friends & neighbors to come back to in-person mass. Please read this important message about our Parish finances.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 15, 2023
Tthe Roman Catholic Church was established by Christ when Jesus directed the apostle Peter as the head of the church. This belief is based on Matthew 16:18 when Jesus Christ said to Peter:
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and gates of Hades will not overcome it.”