The Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin: The Advent brings hope even in the most difficult time

The ongoing pandemic, the situation on the eastern border, and everyday problems can cause anxiety and doubt in many of us. All the more precious is the time of the Advent, which brings true hope - highlights the Rector of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Rev. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski.  

The Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin reminds us that the Latin word "adventus", from which the name of the liturgical period before Christmas in the Catholic Church is derived, means "coming" and "arrival".

"At the beginning of another Advent, it is worth asking ourselves whose coming and arrival are we awaiting? Of course, this near time may be reduced only to external Christmas preparations and traditions. Then what will we get at Christmas, apart from the usual presents and Christmas wafer? The Church invites us to deeply experience the Advent, seek God, repent and turn to other people, especially to the sick, the lonely, the poor, and anyone who needs support" says Rev. Prof. Kalinowski.

As the Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin points out, the current pandemic situation and social problems, including those within the Church, can cause fear, a sense of confusion and discouragement in many people. "All the more precious at this time is the message of the Advent: the Lord is close to each of us, in our daily lives and struggles. That is why it is so important to take advantage of the Advent retreat and of the pre-Christmas confession, to open up to other people, and to seek dialogue and reconciliation," he adds.

Rev. Prof. Kalinowski draws attention to the words of Pope Francis, addressed to Poles last Wednesday. "The Holy Father stated that the Advent reminds us that human life is constant anticipation. He pointed out that our life becomes beautiful and happy when we await someone dear and important, and the Advent ensures that the one we are waiting for - Jesus Christ - loves and never leaves us," he stresses.

The Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin added that, as every year, in the academic church of the University, there will be an Advent retreat, which will begin on Sunday, November 28th and last until Wednesday, December 1st. It will be led by Paulite Fr. Marian Waligóra, the online broadcast of which is to be found on the website of the Academic Ministry of the Catholic University of Lublin.  

"In the academic church there is a possibility of an all-day benediction and confession from 6:00 p.m. On the night of the first Thursday of the month (02/12) to the first Friday of the month (03/12), there will be an all-night benediction. Weekly masses begin on the first Sunday of the Advent at 9:30 a.m. in Ukrainian, the first of which will be celebrated by the bishop of Kiev-Zhytomyr, Witalij Krywicki. Every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Masses are celebrated in English" informed Rev. Prof. Kalinowski.