GAUDETE SUNDAY + FEAST OF ST LUCY; 13th DECEMBER
GAUDETE SUNDAY + FEAST OF ST LUCY; 13th DECEMBER St Lucy's Day in Sweden - Image: Wikipedia THE ADVENT WREATH The week of Advent sees the insertion of the rose candle into the Advent wreath. The wreath is again blessed by a member of the family before the evening meal, as follows: “Oh Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” A child lights both the candles after the blessing, followed by grace. The candles are extinguished by the same child following thanks after the meal. The candles are lit at each evening meal by the same child throughout the week. The second week of Advent is notable for the Feast of St Lucy, on 13th December, and in the week following, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the month is punctuated by Ember Days. THE FEAST OF ST LUCY - 13th DECEMBER The feast of St Lucy, the famous Italian Saint, Lucia, whose name de...