ARCHBISHOP of Armagh Eamon Martin has launched a specially commissioned online Advent calendar.
Archbishop Eamon said the season of Advent marked the beginning of the Catholic year and the time of spiritual preparation for the Lord's coming at Christmas.
"It is a time of waiting, conversion and hope. Advent also prepares us for the second coming of Christ at the end of time. As Christians, we must always be prepared for the coming of the Lord," he said.
"Preparation does not happen at once but over time and so each day of Advent amounts to a period of time which allows us to journey and reflect on the joy of the Gospel. Our online calendar is a helpful resource in this journey."
This year, the beginning of the Catholic new year coincides with the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy which was celebrated as a universal Church at the invitation of Pope Francis.
Across Ireland, in parishes, schools, religious communities and places of pilgrimage, hundreds of special gatherings and events took place to mark the Jubilee Year and to emphasise its key message - that the name of God is mercy; that God's mercy is available to all, and we are, in turn, called to be merciful as our Heavenly Father is merciful.
"As Pope Francis prayed at the closing of the Jubilee Year in Rome, I pray that the graces of this special year will continue to work in the Church and that people will feel more and more welcome in their Church," Archbishop Eamon said.
"The door to God's mercy never closes. There is always a second chance to turn back, to say sorry, to ask forgiveness and to make amends. Advent offers us a perfect opportunity to reflect on mercy, forgiveness, and conversion."
The archbishop said he welcomed the inclusion of content from Pope Francis' Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) and his new Apostolic Letter Mercy and Peace in this year's Advent Calendar.
"I invite everyone during the Advent season to visit and to reflect on the information provided on our online calendar, especially the themes of love in the family as well as mercy and peace," he added.
"As Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of our Lord, I encourage the faithful, notwithstanding our hectic schedule over the coming weeks, to make time to pray - alone and with loved ones - and by so doing to draw nearer to Christ."
:: To view the online Advent calendar, visit http://www.catholicbishops.ie/advent-calendar/.
