Category: News

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 22, 2023

by Terrie Evans

This 3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is dedicated to The Word of God Sunday as a way to enlighten the faithful about our bonds with God.    On September 30, 2019 on the feast of St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church,  His Holiness Pope Francis established this day in his honor.  St. Jerome was known for his teachings on Christian moral life for his translation of the Bible from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into Latin.  St. Jerome was a Christian Priest, Confessor, Theologian and historian who had extensive writings, many historical essays and is the Patron saint of Translators, Librarians and Encyclopedists.  One of his notable ideas was the perpetual Virginity of Mary and his letters that were widely read and distributed throughout the Christian Empire.  On his announcement on the Feast day of St. Jerome, Pope Francis wanted this Sunday devoted to the celebration, dissemination and study on the Word of God.  Pope Francis called for this day in response to many requests from the faithful around the globe to earmark a Sunday with a direct focus on The Word of God.  He asked and invited local communities who wanted this solemn day to find ways”  to mark this Sunday with a certain solemnity”.  Some of Pope Francis suggestions, was a way for Pastors to explain the Sacred Scripture for everyone to understand it and enlisted Parishes to distribute Bibles or books of the Bible on Word of God Sunday. 

In 2015, during the distribution of Bibles, Pope Francis said, “ Take this Gospel and carry it with you, to read it often, every day.  Carry it in your purse, in your pocket, read from it often, a passage every day.”  He also asks that we pray for Christian Unity especially as this Sunday falls during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrated from January 18-25.  Pope Francis states “We are encouraged to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian Unity.  The celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God has ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.”

On this Sunday, January 22^nd, we also honor a day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children to remember the millions of children who have been lost through the Supreme Court decision on January 22, 1973 that legalized abortion.  This enactment, 50 years ago, has also had a devastating effect on millions of women and their family members who have been affected by abortion.  Pope Francis feels the present a throwaway culture is part of the heartbreaking magnitude of abortion as he asks all of us as people of faith to keep active with prayers and special intentions that will be heard.  In all Dioceses throughout the United States, this day will be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.  Pope Saint John Paul II said “A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world.  Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.  The Prayer from Saint Pope John Paul II:  Please God you may continue, closely united with one another to be a force of renewal and hope in our society.  May the Lord help you to work ceaselessly to enable all, believer and non-believers alike, to understand that protection of Human life from conception is an essential condition for building a future worthy of the human being. 

A PRAYER FOR LIFE: “Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion lives in your image and likeness.  Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands.  Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  God forever and ever.  Amen.”

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 15, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 3^rd Sunday of January and the 2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we have the annual World Religion Sunday to celebrate people of all faiths as they join together to introduce the similarities and differences of each other’s religion.  At present, there are close to 4,200 religions throughout the world with Christianity now 2,000 years old, being the most prominent religion in the world with Islam, number 2.  The oldest religions in the world are Hinduism and Judaism.  The first World Religion Sunday was held in 1950 to maintain harmony between religions and cultures.  This event began to spread across the United States and is now promoted in over 80 countries around the globe.  Over the years, as a way to call attention for this annual day, Sri Lanka as well as the Republic of Congo have issued postage stamps with the World Religion Logo.  Some past themes were “Many Faiths One Family” and “The Power of Love” to promote the day among faith-based communities.  There will be religious services and events to unite people of all faiths.  

On Monday, January 16^th of every year, the President of the United States will declare with a formal proclamation, Religious Freedom Day.  The President calls on all Americans to  “Observe the day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship”.  National Religious Freedom Day commemorates the Virginia General Assembly’s adoption of Thomas Jefferson’s landmark Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom that was enacted on January 16, 1786,  237 years ago.   This Statue established the clause for the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that led to the freedom of religion for all Americans.  There has been an official proclamation on this day by every President of the United States since 1993. 

On Tuesday, we honor the feast day of St. Anthony, Abbot (251-356) who was born in Egypt.  He became a Hermit after the death of his parents selling his worldly possessions to aid the poor.   He was known for defending persecuted Christians in Alexandria and founding Monasteries for the many disciples who followed him. 

On Friday, January 20^th we honor the Feast day of St. Sebastian, a Roman Soldier, born in Milan, Italy who died in 288.  He was known for his physical strength and endurance and is considered the Patron Saint of Athletes.  St. Sebastian was linked to the plague and the many who were stricken and sought his intercession with prayers.  There were many documented cures attributed to him with St. Sebastian easily Canonized by popular acclaim.  Also on Friday, January 20^th we celebrate the Feast Day of Pope and Martyr, St. Fabian.   In the history of the Catholic Church, the elected Pope is regarded as a successor of St. Peter who was head of the Apostles with St. Fabian being very popular and considered a great Pope of the early Church.  He became the Bishop of Rome in 236 and during his 14-year reign was credited with dividing Rome into 7 Districts with 7 Deacons and establishing Churches throughout France.  St. Fabian died in 250.    

On Saturday, January 21^st we celebrate the Feast of St. Agnes who in her early life in the 4^th Century stated “Christ is my bridegroom “ He was the first to choose me. I shall be His alone.”  She was martyred for her faith, died at an early age and was buried at Via Nomentana   near Rome.  A few years after her death the Church of Sant Agnese Fuori le Mura was erected over her grave and although modified, still stands.  She is the Patron Saint of young girls and girl scouts with a romantic, poem by John Keats, The Eve of Saint Agnes honoring her.    It was written about the tale of a young unmarried girl seeing her future husband while she sleeps if she follows certain rites.  Keats based his poem on the belief that a girl could see her future husband in a dream if she went to bed without supper, after transferring pins from a pin cushion to a sleeve while reciting the Lord’s Prayer.  

On her feast day in Italy,  there is a tradition that dates to the 16^th Century.  Two lambs will be brought from the Trappist Abbey in Rome to the Vatican for a special blessing by the Pope.  The lambs will then be shorn in the summer with the wool used to weave the Pallium,  a circular band of white wool with two hanging pieces and decorated with 6 black crosses.  The Pallium   will be given to the newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishops to wear over their shoulders and by the Pope on the Feast of St. Peter and Paul and at Pontifical Liturgies.  The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes, a religious community for women was founded in 1858, by Father Caspar Rehrl in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and a city in California, Santa Ynez is named after St. Agnes.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 1, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On Saturday, December 31^st we celebrate New Year’s Eve and the feast night of St. Sylvester, a priest who was born in Rome and became a spiritual director to Constantine.  St. Sylvester was the Pope when Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the official state religion of Italy.  The legend states that St. Sylvester closes the door on one year and the pagan ceremonies and then opened the door to a New Year in the era of Christianity.  St. Sylvester was considered a great Pope and is especially venerated in Pisa where his feast is known as Feste Nazionali Capodanno.  To honor his day, a dinner consisting of steamed sausages and lentils will be served.  It is a night of many festivities with many fireworks and the old tradition of wearing any piece of red clothing to bring you luck.  The lentils symbolize money, sausages are said to bring abundance; as raisins, oranges, (symbols of riches, love, health and fortune) along with honey represent a sweet New Year to come.  

Throughout Italy, it is also the custom to throw out unwanted things in the hope of forgetting all the bad things that happened during the last year and to bring good fortune in the new one.  People will be cheering, clapping, stomping as church bells are ringing with old dishes and pottery hitting the ground.  The groups of merrymakers are trying to make as much noise to chase away the evil spirits before they have a chance to intrude on the New Year.   An ancient Roman New Year’s Day tradition was to gift family and friends branches of greenery for good luck.  Another Italian tradition for New Year’s Eve is to kiss under the mistletoe.  It is said that the mistletoe resembles love and protection, and it will drive away the evil spirits and keep your loved one safe.  At midnight in all English-speaking countries, it is customary for all those partygoers to sing Auld Lang Syne as a way to welcome the New Year of 2023!

On Sunday, January 1^st we welcome the New Year at our 9:00AM Mass.  It is an annual International celebration and the first day of the Gregorian year.  New Year’s Day is the world’s most widely observed public holiday in all countries who follow   the Gregorian Calendar, except Israel.  At different times and in other places in Mediaval Christian Europe, the New Year was celebrated on December 25^th in honor of the Birth of Jesus and then on March 1^st in the Old Roman style, and on March 25^th in honor of the Feast of the Annunciation (the date of the Conception of Jesus) and the New Year was also celebrated on the movable Feast of Easter. 

New Year’s Day liturgically marked the Feast of the Naming and Circumcision of Jesus that is still observed in the Anglican, Lutheran and the Eastern Orthodox Churches who believe that if Jesus was born on December 25^th, and according to Hebrew tradition, His circumcision would have taken place on the 8^th day of His life January 1^st.  On this day, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is honored in the mainstream Roman Catholic Church.

On Sunday, January 8^th we will celebrate the Epiphany Day (Giorno dell ‘Epifania) which is the last day of the Christmas Season.  We will also have the Blessing of the Chalk to take home for all of us to Bless our homes for the New Year.  Please invite your family members and friends to welcome the New Year 2023.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 8, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany to commemorate the visit of the Magi to the Christ child.  Also called Three Kings Day, in some traditions it is also celebrated as Little Christmas which initiates the Liturgical season of Epiphany-tide.   The word Epiphany originates from the koine Greek Epiphaneia which means appearance or a manifestation of a deity to a worshiper.  In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, it is one of the great feasts of the Liturgical year next to Easter (Paskha) and Pentecost in importance.   The earliest reference to the Christian Feast, the Epiphany was in 361 A.D. celebrating it as a double feast later to be expanded to honor His birth, the visit of the Magi and all of Jesus’ childhood events.  Eastern Christians gather and commemorate the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River which is seen as His manifestation to the world as the Son of God at the site of the Baptism of Jesus located in the West Bank.   Epiphany is celebrated in Eastern Churches who celebrate the Baptism of Christ and in the Western churches who commemorate the coming of the Magi with subordinate commemorations of the Baptism of Jesus and the Wedding at Cana.  In both traditions, the importance of the feast is still the same recalling the first manifestation of Christ’s public life.   In some parts of Europe, a Priest will bless Epiphany Water, Frankincense (Incense and a symbol of a Deity), Myrrh (Anointing oil), and Gold (A symbol of Kingship).  He will then announce the date of Easter on the Feast of the Epiphany, a practice that came from a time when calendars were not easily available.  The church needed to publicize many important dates and celebrations for the upcoming Liturgical year as all churchgoers would depend on it.  This yearly proclamation would then set the dates for Ash Wednesday, Easter Sunday, Ascension of Jesus Christ, Pentecost, The Body and Blood of Christ, and the First Sunday of Advent for the oncoming Liturgical year. 

Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy with many traditions especially the legend of La Befana who visits children on the Eve of Epiphany to gift them with candy.  She is a popular figure of Italian folklore who is depicted as an old witch on a broom who sadly missed her opportunity to bring a present to the child Jesus with the Three Wise Men because she was too busy with doing housework.  Being late for the journey, La Befana gathered gifts for Jesus, and with her broom took flight to locate him.  She never reached her destination so now she leaves gifts for the children who have hung their stockings and written special   notes to her.  There will be La Befana dolls placed in windows to welcome her on the eve of the Epiphany, January 7^th with parties and processions held in her honor.  La Befana is considered the mother of every child in Italy.   In Rome, La Befana will visit guests at the Piazza Navona with sweet treats at the annual toy market and in some towns throughout Italy, children will wear costumes and masks going door to door collecting treats, like our Halloween.  In Germany, there is the kindly Frau Berchta and in Russia, Babuska bearing gifts on the eve of Epiphany. 

In the Unites States, Epiphany is considered as the beginning of the Carnival or King Cake Season in Louisiana and in Tarpon Springs Florida, the Epiphany City with the Greek Orthodox Church blessing the fleet of fishing boats.  Then the “Dive of the Cross” takes place with a ceremony of throwing a wooden cross in the water for divers to retrieve, promising   a blessed New Year.  It is believed that this annual ritual gives the water the power to cleanse and sanitize.   Many churches bless chalk to take home for writing the initials of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) over the doors of homes, churches and businesses for the New Year.    The initials C, M, B, are said to interpret the Latin Phrase, CHRISTUS MANSIONEM BENEDICAT for MAY CHRIST BLESS THIS HOUSE.    Please take home the blessed bags of chalk to welcome in the New Year of 2023 with instructions inside the bag for the blessing of the homes of your family and friends.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 18, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this last Sunday of Advent, please remember the members of the Studt and Marckesano Families as we light the final purple candle (Faith) on our Advent Wreath.   On December 5^th, our San Antonio Church Community held the funeral Mass of Robert “Bob” Martin Studt, our oldest and most valued parishioner who became a member of our church since his marriage to Louise (Marckesano) Studt.  Bob along with brothers Charles, John, and sister Margaret (Studt) Mappin also attended our church and developed many friendships within the community of South Fairmount.  In the 1930 census, Bob’s parents, Mary and Carl Studt lived at 1550 Dudley Street when Charles was 9, John was 8, Margaret (Margie) was 7 and Bob was 6 years old.   When World War II broke out, he was 18 years old and working for George Smith on River Road and Mt. Hope Avenue at the Electrical Tool Company when he registered for the draft on June 30, 1942.  On September 24, 1942, he was selected for the Naval Reserve and later that year, Boatswain Mate Robert Studt was serving on the U.S.S. Saratoga (named after the 1777 Battle of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War) patrolling Alaskan waters.  On his return, Robert Martin Studt 22, married 18 Louise Marckesano on March 15, 1946, and welcomed their first child daughter Sandra on November 23^rd, 1946.   In 1947, Robert joined the Cincinnati Fire Department serving at Engine Company 3 on Ninth and Broadway where he was active in the Miles of Dimes Bucket Brigade.

In 1949, Robert was one of 8 part time Cincinnati Sailors and among 300 Naval Reservists who participated in a yearly two-week training exercise on a Caribbean Cruise leaving from New Orleans: visiting Guantanamo Bay Cuba and Puerto Rico before returning home.  On his return, Bob went back to his regular job with the CFD, until he was recalled into active service on October 9, 1950, assigned to the naval Base in Sasebo, Japan.  Boatswain Mate Second Class Studt was overseas when Louise (Marckesano) Studt delivered their second child, a son William Robert Studt on December 3, 1950.  On his return, he was assigned to Ladder Company 2 at Liberty and Linn Streets and then as an Engineer with Engine 12 where he proudly served until retirement.  Throughout his career with CFD, Bob always took time to volunteer at the General Protestant Orphanage Feast for their yearly fundraiser.      

Bob was a long-standing supporter at San Antonio Church, serving at Mass, as an Usher and every few years, replacing the vinyl seat cushions on the chairs in our Hall.  He worked the yearly Festivals, Fish Frys, and Monte Carlo Nights while Bob and Louise were active in the Men and Ladies Sodality.   After moving on from on from the Cincinnati Fire Department, Bob became the President of the Retired Firefighters Association who rented our Hall for their monthly meeting and luncheon.  Bob introduced many of his associates to our church as he made his signature lunches for them to enjoy including his “Fire House Chili” which can be found on page 31 of our” Mangia” Recipe Book. 

Our Parishioners have all missed seeing him at Sunday Mass.  Bob was one of those gentlemen from the “Greatest Generation” who married the love of his life, worked hard, served his country in two Wars, and raised a family he was very proud of.  We send our condolences to Sandy Schroeder, Bill Studt, Debbie Poland and their families who have continued to carry on Bob and Louise’s volunteer spirit at San Antonio Church.   In the future, we hope to see Bob and Louise’s Family join us at our Sunday Mass.  Many prayers are being sent to the Studt Family members for the loss of your Patriarch and a great guy we will never forget!

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 11, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this 3^rd Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete (GOW-DAY-TAY) or Rejoice Sunday in the Liturgical Calendar of the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and other mainline Protestant Churches.  This Sunday in the halfway point of the Advent Season is a call for us to rejoice in hope for the anticipation of Christmas as we light the pink or rose candle referred to as the Shepherds Candle.  The Altar cloth and vestments are also permitted to be changed to rose or pink on this joyous Sunday of Advent.   The readings for this 3^rd Sunday will emphasize the joy and anticipation as we get closer to the Lord’s coming and relate to John the Baptist.   Pope Francis once said in his homily that Gaudete Sunday should be known as a “Sunday of Joy, and that instead of fretting about all they still haven’t done to prepare for Christmas, we should think of all the good things life has given us.”   

            On Gaudete Sunday we not only celebrate the 3^rd Sunday of Advent but at Mass on this morning, we will bless all the Baby Jesus’s we brough in from our home Mangers.  This practice has grown over the years not only taking place in Rome but in many Catholic Churches throughout the world, for the Christmas Blessing on Bambinelli Sunday to bless the Baby (Bambino) Jesus for Christmas.   Pope John Paul instituted the tradition of Bambinelli Sunday during his Papacy to remind families about the joyous event of Baby Jesus’s arrival in the Manger.  St. John Paul would ask those present to assemble before the manger scene with their family as he blessed the figurines of the bambino Jesus.  Pope Benedict XVI as well as Pope Francis have continued this tradition for this annual unique and beloved ceremony.  As we await the birth of Jesus, during the Christmas Season simple Nativity scenes will be loving displayed   not only in churches but also in our homes.  On this Sunday, the Holy Father, Pope Francis will then bless the Baby Jesus from family Nativity scenes. 

The origin of these family Mangers   date back to the first humble Creche (French for Manger) made by St. Francis of Assisi for Christ on Christmas Eve in 1223.  For almost 800 years, small and large Nativity scenes have evolved in our homes, towns, and cities to represent the significant figures that will be displayed during this Liturgical Season of Advent, Christmas and then into the Epiphany.  The historical likeness of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Ox, the Donkey, and the Shepherds with their Sheep will be shown.  They will be set in and around the Manger waiting for Jesus to be placed in his place of honor on Christmas Eve.   In Rome at St. Peter’s Square, children and their families will gather with their figures of the Christ Child from their home nativity scenes.  At the noontime Angelus Prayer, Pope Francis will bless the children and their figurines The blessing will take place this morning around 6:00AM Cincinnati time which is 12:00PM in Rome.    

San Antonio Church will celebrate our Christmas Day Mass on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at 9:00 AM.  We will also have our regular Sunday 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday, January 1, 2023, New Year’s Day.  Please inform your families and friends about the correct Mass schedule as the card sent from Holy Family was in error.  On Christmas Day we pray for a full church to close out the momentous anniversary year 1922-2022 and a good crowd for our New Year’s Day Mass to welcome 2023.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin December 4, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On Saturday, November 30, 2022 San Antonio Church held the funeral Mass for Matthew J. Cupito (1963-2022) who passed away on November 20^th.    Matthew was the beloved son of Joseph and Mary Ann Cupito and was a descendant of one of the early families in the history of our church.  Matthew leaves spouse, Carrie (Dunfee) Cupito and child Ryan along with brothers, Steve (Erin), Adam (Laurie) and Mark (Geri) and their families.  We send our condolences to them and all their extended family members Nephews, Brad, Bryan, Mark, Andrew and Nicholas and niece Emma.  Matt was a proud graduate of Elder High School and leaves many good friends and work associates who valued him.  Please keep our longtime parishioners, Joe and Mary Ann Cupito and their family in your prayers.

As we celebrate the 2^nd Sunday of Advent on this 1^st Sunday in December, we also recall the dedication of our church building.  In the history of our church, a milestone took place when on the 1^st Sunday of December in 1940, the newly built San Antonio Italian Church was formally open, 82 years ago.  That Sunday was like no other with the whole neighborhood of the Little Italy Section of South Fairmount rejoicing in the church they worked so hard to build.  They had seen many positive changes in their new home country, America and were proud of their accomplishments as they worked to achieve the American Dream.  All these families felt St. Anthony was looking out for them with the good fortune of a church and hall to serve the Italian Catholics of the neighborhood.  They were very thankful and appreciative of the tedious work of Sr. Blandina, Sr. Justina, and Sr. Euphrasia, who for the last 18 years had worked with the Italians of South Fairmount to build a parish of their own someday. 

These working-class families had worshiped in two other buildings, the 1^st at 1948 Queen City Avenue and later the 2^nd church used for Mass would have to be torn down to make way for the new stretch of Queen City Avenue.  When plans were in place for a brand-new building, a temporary vacant building at the corner of Sperber and Queen City Avenue accommodated only 80 people but would be used from November 1939 until December 1^st, 1940, while the new church was being built.  With the church now completed, a date was set for the first Mass with Bishop Rehring, Pastor Fr. Ferdinand Nirmaier, and honorary priests in attendance for the High Mass at !0:00 AM.  While giving thanks on this milestone day, the parishioners said a prayer to St. Anthony and thought of all the priests who had not only served them but had elevated their lives. 

They silently prayed for Rev. J. B. Chiotti, Rev. Francis Bredestege, Rev. J. McFarland, Msg. Giles Alias, Rev. Vincent Graglia, Rev. Dennis Engelhard, Rev. Edwin Auweiler, Rev. Mathias Heile and especially Rev. Joseph Klein O.F.M. who was Pastor of San Antonio Italian Church (1933-1936) who passed away in 1938.  Beloved Fr. Joe had started the San Antonio Church Choir who then sponsored the 1^st Spaghetti Dinner in 1936.  Members of the Choir stated: “And as he looks down from his Saintly place in Heaven, may he see that we have never forgotten and never intend to forget, our beloved Father Joseph.”  As we celebrated our Mass on this 82^nd Anniversary Sunday, remember to thank God, St. Anthony, Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God and all the Saints we have prayed to and petitioned for the health and good fortune of our beautiful little church.  

Today we light the second purple candle, the Bethlehem Candle which represents Peace as the reading tell of Christ’s Birth in a Manger.  In this 2^nd week of Advent, Peace is thought to be the main focus.  When the angels appeared to the shepherds, at the end of their message they said: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth Peace to those whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).  In Hebrew, the word for Peace is Shalom.  Next week please bring in our baby Jesus’ from our home creche’s for a blessing on Bambinelli Sunday.  In Rome, our Holy Father, Pope Francis will also bless all the baby Jesus brought from nativity Scenes on this Gaudete or Rose Sunday.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin November 27, 2022

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, we welcome many new parishioners as we start the Liturgical Season of Advent.  The season of Advent is celebrated as a time of waiting as we prepare for the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the anticipation for the Second Coming of Christ. Advent commences on the 4^th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve on December 24^th and is observed in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the Western Rite of the Orthodox Church, in the Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches.  The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the “Coming of Christ;” the physical Nativity in Bethlehem, The Reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the return of Christ in the Second Coming.  The liturgical season lasts approximately four weeks before Christmas with themes of joyful expectation to prepare the faithful for the remembrance of the Lord’s first coming.  There was a time when Advent was considered as a time of penitence and fasting known as the Nativity Fast or the Fast of December.  According to St. Gregory of Tours, during the 5th Century, there would be fasting 3 times a week from November 11^th (St, Martin’s Day) until Christmas.  This practice was named “Lent of St. Martin” that was limited to the Diocese of Tours until the 6^th Century.  By the 13^th Century, fasting was limited to the feast of St. Andrew, the Apostle on November 30^th until Christmas Day.  In Rome, Advent was observed for 5 weeks at that time with the Greeks celebrating Advent as an optional feast that could begin anytime between November 15 – December 6.

            The usual color since the 13^th Century in Western Christianity has been violet but, in some denominations, blue is used to represent hope as alternative color for Advent referred to as “Sarum Blue” in Lutheran, Methodist or Presbyterian Denominations.  Sarum is the Latin word for Salisbury from the cathedral in England where the blue color was used by the Bishop of Salisbury in the 11^th Century.  The blue color symbolizes the image of the night sky or darkness that is present in many of the Scriptures used during the season of Advent and is also associated with the Virgin Mary. 

The Advent Wreath is an important centerpiece of the altar of many churches.  The wreaths origin dates to the 16^th Century among German Lutherans but, it wasn’t until 1839 when a Protestant Pastor, Johann Hinrich Wichern built a ring of wood with red and white tapers, the closest to our present-day wreaths.  Today, our wreath is made of greenery or fir branches as a sign of life and hope with holly used to represent the Eternity of God.  The crown shape represents victory and the symbol of Christ the King with the holly affixed to the wreath recalling the thorns resting on the head of Christ.  The Advent wreath is adorned with 3 violet, one pink and the Christ Candle in the middle of the wreath to be lit on Christmas Eve or Day.  These candles symbolize the stages of salvation before the coming of the Messiah and to some the four stages of human history: Creation, the Incarnation, the Redemption of Sins, and the Last Judgement.  The candles are lit on the consecutive Sundays of Advent until on the 4^th Sunday all the candles will be lit.  This practice is meant to cultivate a deeper sense of the liturgical season of Advent.  In Orthodox Churches, sometimes wreath will display six candles to be used for the 6-week duration of the Nativity Fast/Advent.  

On the First Sunday of Advent, we look forward to the coming of Christ.  The reading for this 1^st Sunday relates to the Old Testament patriarchs who were Christ’s Ancestors.  The 1^st Advent Candle is referred to as the Prophets Candle symbolizing Hope.  The liturgy of Advent remained unchanged until the Second Vatican Council made minor changes between the spirit of Lent from that of Advent to emphasize Advent not only as a hope for Christ’s coming but also as a promise of His Second Coming.  The readings relate to the first coming of Jesus Christ as Savior as well as to his Second Coming as Judge.