He that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.
He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector and my refuge: my God, in Him will I trust
(Ps 90)
St. Stephen, the first deacon and the first martyr of the Christian Church, was stoned to death in Jerusalem on a false charge of blasphemy. Given the current plight of Christians in the Middle East, it is perhaps apt to invoke his prayers for their intentions.
St. Stephen is also one of my personal Patron Saints.
Yesterday evening, I received the news that Fr. Tim Finigan of The Hermeneutic of Continuity was in hospital following a minor heart attack. He has subsequently posted on his blog that he is ok but will need to rest for a little while. I would like to wish him a speedy recovery, and assure him that he is in my prayers.
I f you feel able, I would ask you to remember Fr. Tim in your prayers, and also the Parish Priest of Woolwich, who is currently ill with, I understand, one of the seasonal 'bugs' that are about this time of year, and the Parish Priest of Chislehurst, who has long-term health issues.
Today, the Church's Liturgical Year returns to the start, with the First Sunday of Advent, and we begin the season of preparation for the memorial of Our Lord's Nativity, and the celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation.
Here is the Introit for Mass in the Extraordinary Form:
The Anthem Rorate, Caeli enters the Prayer of the Church:
And the Marian Anthem that concludes the Office changes to the Alma Redemptoris Mater:
Finally, a little plug for, and thanks to, The Curt Jester, who has again made available his Advent Wreath graphic, which you can add to your blog, should you wish. I have already incorporated into my sidebar for the season.
