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Advent celebration banners 2020
Generally the term advent denotes the introduction of something important. In Christian Religions the Season of Advent refers to the four weeks of preparation before Christmas. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year. This season is rich in symbolism and tradition. The passage of time is marked by Advent Wreaths with four candles and Advent Calenders where each day opens a new window of opportunity. We are awaiting the Birth of Christ and anticipating the return of Christ for the last judgement. This is a reflective time and we create prayerful spaces for calm and peace. Here at Saint Mary of-the-Woods we fashion our Church of the Immaculate Conception interior to engender this Advent ambience using hand made cosmic banners with origami crane mobiles suspended from the gallery and illuminated blue paper sculptures and tree limb accents in the sanctuary. A Peace Prayer focal point created for election day remains displayed near the ambo. This year due to Covid-19 safety concerns entrance to our church is restricted but we do invite you to join us and enter virtually through these images as we pray, Come, Jesus, Come.
– Sister Jody O’Neil, SP
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Thanks so very much for these stunning pictures and you reflection about them. They quickened my spirit this morning.
Gratefully,
Sister Connie SP
Thank you! The photos remind me of the treasure that is the Woods—just what I needed. I miss being in the church and seeing my sister friends.
Thank you…the pictures are simply exquisite for Advent…Gaudete!
Beautiful symbols that touch the soul. The church and SMC express that poetic expression continually enhanced by the SPs! We do need this in our society today. Thanks.
Each crane is pleading not only for peace in the world, but encouragement in our efforts to care for our Earth. I think the use of all the blue brings about a peaceful spirit as well. Thanks to all who for bought this to us.
Always love seeing photos of the sacred spaces at the Woods! Thank you for the thoughtful commentary as well!
Elegant simplicity yet poised toward a more moving experience…
That’s what I see in these environment photographs. Thank you very, very much Jody.
Gorgeous! Thank you S Jody for your artistic creations that make our church so stunning. I have shared these photos with several friends.
Hello…so beautiful…how many times I have sat in silence in this Church and been blessed by such a holy presence…with these photos I can sense that I am right there again…thank you! Advent blessings to all who see these photos.
Could some of these be greeting cards? So inspirational…..so calming….such anticipation! Thank you for letting us in!
Much of the faux marble (maybe all) was redone during the Church restoration about 25? years ago. The artist who did that was Mame (Mary) Irwin who was a niece of Sr Irma Clare Irwin, SP.
whenever I visit the Church at the Woods, I am reminded of the love of Providence and the dear sisters who bear the name with great humility and fervor for Love, Mercy and Justice. Thank you for sharing this sacred place — God bless us–everyone..