Seasonal Reflections

As a means of encouraging active participation in and reflection on the seasons of Advent and Lent, the Office for Mission & Ministry publishes annual reflection booklets twice yearly. Students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni are invited to write 300-600 word reflections on the readings of the day from the Catholic Lectionary.

Reflections are published in printed form and are linked electronically to the University home page and the Office for Mission & Ministry web site. For more information about these projects, contact: christopher.janosik@villanova.edu.

Daily Advent Reflections by our University Community

Advent comes from the Latin word, adventus – an arrival or a coming. In the context of the season, Advent means that the Lord is coming.

The simplicity of the liturgical season in both décor and music is intended to emphasize the penitential nature of our preparation for Christmas – the glorious celebration of the Feast of the Nativity. So let us anticipate Christmas and Christ’s coming with restless but focused preparation. May these reflections, offered by members of the Villanova University community, help lead us to the joy of the season.

Daily Lenten Reflections by our University Community

Some scholars claim that the observance of Lent is as old as the 4th century. The reforms of Vatican Council II emphasized the foci of baptism and penance for reflection during this season, and these are now reflected in the structure, readings and prayers of the reformed Lenten liturgies.

For many, Lent is a time of penance, a time of self purification for the role of participating in the redemptive work of God in our current world. It is a time of preparation for baptism. For those already baptized, it is a time of reconciliation and renewal of baptismal commitment. May these reflections, offered by members of the Villanova University community, help lead us to the joy of the season.

Office for Mission and Ministry

Daily Advent Reflections by our University Community

Daily Lenten Reflections by our University Community

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