Roman Catholics will observe the Second Sunday of Advent on Dec. 4 to signal the nearness of Christmas Day.
With the ease of Covid-19 restrictions, many churchgoers are expected to attend the live masses on Sunday. Parishioners in churches under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Manila are reminded to still wear their face masks inside the church premises as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus.
Church rites will include the lighting of the candle of peace and the second purple candle on the Advent wreath.
Also known as the Bethlehem candle, the second purple candle “serves as a reminder that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that Jesus is King,” said Church officials.
The first purple candle, the symbol of hope, that was lit last Sunday on the First Sunday of Advent, will also be lit.
According to the Church, the progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. As the candles are lit over the four-week Season of Advent, it mirrors the darkness of fear receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light are shed into the world.
Confessional prayers will be recited during the Eucharistic celebration as part of the period of anticipation and waiting for the Second Coming while preparing for the celebration of the First Coming of Christ at Christmas more than 2,000 years past.
Celebrated with great anticipation and hope, the traditional theme for the Second Sunday of Advent is God’s Divine Love for Mankind.
Meanwhile, devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary are invited to join the much-awaited Grand Marian Procession in Intramuros, Manila on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.
Well-venerated life-size images of the Blessed Mother from around the country with her different titles will be paraded around the streets of Intramuros in elaborate and well-decorated carriages.