Living Advent with the Prophets
Advent Opportunities at the Basilica & the Cathedral
Advent belongs to the prophets, to those saints of the Old Testament who heralded the Messiah’s arrival. When they preached, their message was often failed to be heard by the people, whose hearts were hardened and whose vision was clouded by sin. Yet today, in the light of Christ, we hear them speak forcefully, heralding still Christ’s return at the end of time and his daily advent to us in the holy Eucharist.
St. Thomas Aquinas asks whether it was necessary for the Annunciation to take place, for the Angelic Doctor takes it for granted that Mary already knew that God would become human. Thus, there would be nothing for the angel announce to her. How could she know in advance this magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum, this great mystery and wonderful sacrament? Because of the unique purity of her faith, she alone heard and understood what the prophets of old proclaimed. St. Thomas responds: “The Blessed Virgin did indeed believe explicitly in the future Incarnation; but, being humble, she did not think such high things of herself” (ST III q. 30, a. 1, ad 2). The Annunciation was necessary for Mary to know that God would bring his promised plan to fulfillment through her.
We can — and ought to — journey through Advent with Our Lady, reflecting with her on the mysteries announced by the prophets. The Cathedral and the Basilica offer three events for that purpose indeed.
Rorate Caeli Mass | December 16, 7:00am | Lady Chapel of the Cathedral
The words of Isaiah are taken for the Introit for Masses of Our Lady in Advent: Roráte caéli désuper, et núbes plúant jústum, “Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness” (45:8). A venerable Advent tradition is the celebration of Mass before dawn, when the dew forms on the grass, beginning only in candlelight. As morning comes, the skies pour down righteousness as sunlight fills the church.
A Rorate Caeli Mass will be celebrated in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral on December 16 at 7:00am, with great solemnity and Gregorian chant.
Handel’s Messiah | Saturday, December 16, 3:00pm | Basilica of the Assumption
G.F. Handel (1685-1759) composed his famous Messiah as a meditation on the whole life of Christ, though it is most often performed during the month of December in anticipation of Christmas. The libretto itself is an impressive compilation of Scriptural texts, many coming from the prophets. The music gives their voices a sublime articulation.
The Basilica of the Assumption will host Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, December 16 at 3:00pm, with the choir and orchestra conducted by Ed Polochick who will also play harpsichord. Tickets are required and are quickly running out. Hearing Messiah in the Basilica is sure to be an experience like none other.
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols | Sunday, December 17, 5:00pm | Cathedral of Mary Our Queen
A service originating in the Anglican tradition and made famous worldwide by yearly broadcast since 1928 from King’s College, Cambridge, the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen has held its own version of Lessons & Carols for decades. Nine scripture readings and nine pieces of sacred music reflect upon the prophecies and announcements of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Cathedral’s Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols will be on Sunday, December 17, at 5:00pm. No tickets or reservations are required.