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There is no denying the fact that Christmas has become very secularised and very commercialised. It is indeed, very easy to say that we have taken the religious symbols away. Is that really true? This year, I have decided to look a little closer. And the truth is that they are still there, but we can fail to see them – they are all around us and have much to tell us.

Together, let us look at a few of the main symbols most of us use:

The Advent Wreath:

The circular shape represents eternity and reminds us of God’s presence in our lives. Its four candles symbolise hope, peace, joy and love, each representing a week leading up to the birth of Christ on December 25^th The wreath is  a symbol of victory too.

“I have fought the good fight…I have kept the faith…now there is laid up for me the crown which the Lord will give me.”

2:Timothy 4-7

The Christmas Tree:

Christians believe that the evergreen tree represents eternal life with God and reminds us that Jesus is the New Tree of Life.

The lights: in the words of Pope Francis: “the Christmas tree with its lights reminds us that Jesus is the Light that shines through the darkness and makes room for forgiveness”

The Bright Decorations: they remind us of all kinds of stories about children and tell us that we will be gifted with Spring and good weather again.

The Angel: has a special place as the one who announces the birth of Christ.

Every Christmas, a 91foot tree is put up in St. Peter’s Square. It has a special role because when the season is over, it will be repurposed into toys for children in need – so the wood of the tree will bring joy to many well into the new year.

“Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the Lord,

for he comes to rule the earth. 

Psalm 96:12

The Poinsettia:

As children we were told a beautiful story about the poinsettia’s connection to Christmas – it is about a poor little Mexican girl. Long, long ago she was searching for a gift to bring to the crib. In desperation, she found a few weeds and brought them along. Immediately the weeds turned into deep red star-shaped flowers. Ever since, the poinsettia symbolises the star of Bethlehem.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great joy.”

Matthew 2 :10

There are so many symbols! Before concluding, I cannot omit the holly – those exquisite shiny green leaves that adorn every home. Can they be more than a decoration and be a reminder of Jesus’ suffering?

“They made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head.”

Matthew 27:29

As we prepare for Christmas, let us embrace the meaning behind the symbols.

What is your favourite symbol and what does it mean to you?

                                                                                                       B. O‘S

As Ursulines this week in November is filled with days of celebrations, moments of remembering, of prayer and of uniting together as one – the Roman Union of the Order of Saint Ursula.

We begin tomorrow, Monday 25^th November when on the Feast of Saint Catherine of Alexandria we recall the moment when Angela Merici called together the first 28 women with whom she had been meeting and praying with and preparing for this occasion when they would sign the Book of the Company in Brescia, Italy so forming the Company of Saint Ursula.  Over time as we know Ursuline life has faced the many twists and turns of the road but despite all the history, the movement to new places, to new ways of Ursuline life we remain united in the spirit and vision of Angela Merici.  On this day as we celebrate we remember all who have walked the path of Ursuline life before us and give thanks for the rich legacy they have handed on to us.

On Thursday of this week, 28^th November, we recall the coming together of 62 independent Ursuline monasteries in 1900 to form the Roman Union of the Order of Saint Ursula.  It is a day to give thanks for the courage of these women who gave up much knowing that they would be stronger together going forward.  Over time other monasteries and groupings of Ursulines have joined this Union including ourselves, the sisters of Ireland and Wales, who joined in 2018. While we are growing into life as part of the Roman Union we know that we too are stronger as part of this group as we face into a future still unfolding for us. 

On Friday 29^th November we mark the day in 1900 when the sisters came together for the first General Chapter of the newly formed Roman Union.  This year our delegate sisters gathered in Rome in September to discuss a revision of the Constitutions. We pray for this process as it continues and for ourselves as we seek to continue to live the vision of Angela Merici today.

So as we walk through these days let us remember, let us pray and let us celebrate all that we are as individuals, as communities, as Provinces, as the Roman Union and as members of the global family of Ursulines. Let us give thanks for the vision of Angela who says: “I am in your midst lending aid to your prayers”. 

Karen OSU

In times when I cannot pray, I find great comfort in a simple but meaningful body prayer that Jim Deeds teaches in one of his books. You simply use four body movements.

There is a profound consolation in acknowledging that by practicing those four body movements in times of challenge, we are led to reflect more deeply on God’s attributes of omniscience, omnipotence and especially His unconditional love.

Each of the four movements Jim Deeds offers has its own meaning and expresses a desire to pray.

Movement 1:

Arms outstretched, hand reaching upwards and beyond yourself – this position says, “I am made by God” – you didn’t make yourself; your parents didn’t make you but they had a hand in it, but even they didn’t make you. You were made by God.

Movement 2:

Arms folded, hands touching your chest – this position says, “I am loved by God.”

Movement 3:

Arms pushed back behind you, hands open and facing away from you. This position says:” I am forgiven by God.” Let it go. Let go of all that holds you back from being the best version of yourself. Step into God’s wonderful forgiveness.

Movement 4:

Hands out in front of you, hands open, palms up – this position says: “I am held in God’s loving hands.” Look at your outstretched hands and see this is how you might hold a new-born baby. This is the very way God holds you.

Jim suggests that we repeat each movement a few times to learn what each one means.

After a few repetitions, make the movement that was most helpful for you. Hold it…make a prayer…hear God respond…take a few deep breaths…relax…

Fatigue, insomnia, boredom, negativity, abandonment, low mood…visit all of us from time to time. When we feel like this, using the four body movements is very meaningful and can even be a gateway to prayer.

What do you think?

B’OS

During this month of November, we gather as faith communities in our churches to remember all the faithful departed from our parishes – they are family, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, cousins and friends.  As we gather we recall the many days we shared with them – days of laughter, of celebrating the milestones of life, of sharing in their successes. Memories are to be treasured, it is in memories that our loved ones live on with us.

The Gospel of the Beatitudes offers us blessings from God as Jesus sits down to teach the disciples. Take a moment now to sit with this teaching today…every blessing named brings a great reward to the believer who accepts these teachings from Jesus. Rewards that are beyond our wildest dreams!  We may wonder though in the midst of our own sorrow and grief at the loss of the one we loved so much how Jesus can say ‘to mourn is to be blessed, for in our mourning we will be comforted.’ 

Mourning is part of our loving – if we have not loved we cannot mourn and be comforted. It is this that brings hope for us left behind that one day we will be reunited in the presence of God. The comfort comes from the people who gather with us in the midst of our sorrow – they are the hands of God wrapped around us to let us know of his presence within us and among us in our sadness.

Death is the end of our earthly pilgrimage but not of our existence since our soul is immortal – death then is the passage to the fullness of life in Christ. So let us be blessed that our loved ones are at rest with the Lord and take comfort in the support, the prayers and the care of those who surround us in our days of mourning. 

Let us be blessed together that we have known such love.

Karen OSU

Waterford’s enchanting castle and island are situated in the river Suir, only a stone’s throw from the mainland; access is by pre-booked ferry and only takes about five minutes.

The island has had a chequered history. In the sixth century, it was a monastic settlement. Then along came the Vikings who built fortifications. The Normans set their sights on it circa 1170. From the 15^th century onwards, it was in the hands of the great Fitzgeralds, who were the Kings of Ireland in all but name. Waterfordians are proud to tell us that Edward Fitzgerald is said to have translated the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam from Farsi in 1859.

From the 1950’s on, the island had many different owners. Through all the changes, it has preserved its past and secured its future. It is currently a luxury hotel, golf club and sporting venue, owned by Mr. Seamus Walsh from Kilkenny.

This is just a potted version of its history.

Recently, I had the delight of visiting the island for afternoon tea. Before going indoors, we sat reflectively on the wooden chairs close to the castle – no formal, manicured gardens and lawns as far as the eye could see – just a wildlife friendly area in harmony with the surrounding eco-system. It was sheer joy to be there in the autumn sunshine and savour the magic and wonder of the place.

Then it was time to go for a stroll – truly enchanting – breath-taking views on all sides and a haven for birds and animals…we saw red squirrels, pheasants, deer…

It was afternoon teatime. En route to our venue, we viewed the island’s antiquities, beautifully show-casing its history; we had a tour of the Great Hall, the Fitzgerald and Munster Rooms – all with high panelled ceilings, antique furniture and Aubusson tapestries…….

As for afternoon tea, I will leave it to you to experience its elegance and delights when you visit the South-East!

                                                                                          B. O ‘S