Category Archives: Advent

Setting The Seasons Straight

Posted on 1 December 2018 by

I found a comment linking to an old blog post that sort of plants a flag on one of the hills in the #waronchristmas: In general terms, I recommend that “happy holidays” be used in general before Thankgiving, after which we … Continue reading →

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The Armchair Liturgist: Blessing The Advent Wreath

Posted on 27 November 2018 by

Like it or not, nearly every parish seems to have an Advent wreath. Homes, not so much. The US bishops give this home ritual, in case you and your household are sticklers about it. If you’d like something special for … Continue reading →

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December Colors

Posted on 3 December 2017 by

One of the seasonal tussles of which we see less in some circles thanks to the war on the war on Christmas is over the proper colors for decorations. As most every Catholic knows, before December 24th evening the right … Continue reading →

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Merton on Human Ambiguity

Posted on 10 December 2016 by

In his time with us here at Catholic Sensibility, Neil had some real gems to offer. I still return to his posts occasionally. Sometimes they come up as I search through our archives. Scanning these on the occasion of Thomas Merton’s … Continue reading →

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Star Dawn

Posted on 5 December 2016 by

In a liturgy/music/astronomy/science fiction mash-up, I’d like to nominate Alan Hovhaness’ mini-symphony “Star Dawn” for your December listening experience. From the review at a tribute site for the composer: In this work evoking space travel, bells symbolize the stars, flowing … Continue reading →

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Exile Symphony

Posted on 1 December 2016 by

Some Advent music to consider, the First Symphony of Alan Hovhaness. The first movement is here by the Seattle Symphony, a more sympathetic recording than Leopold Stokowski’s 1942 version with the NBC Orchestra. From that link you can get to … Continue reading →

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Advent, Always

Posted on 27 November 2016 by

The 20th century French Jesuit Jean Daniélou on this season: We live always during Advent. We are always waiting for the messiah to come. The messiah has come, but is not yet fully manifest. The messiah is not fully manifest … Continue reading →

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