One of my friends asked the question of why different cultures also participate in Carnival around the same time of the year, this led me to further explore its historical roots and its connection to Lent.
During the first week of Advent in this liturgical cycle scripture encourages us to stay awake and to be alert to everything in the present and into the future. It is also the week that places an emphasis on hope with the lighting of the prophecy candle to remind us that God will fulfil his promise through the birth of Jesus.
On Monday 6 November Morgan Owens shared her testimony at ‘Pints with a Purpose’, we thank her for being so open and honest about her life’s journey. What Morgan shared is a true indication that Faith Matters as she commenced her talk with a quote from Mystic Padre Pio, “Blessed is the crisis that made you grow, the fall that made you look to heaven and the problem that made you look for God”.
After a couple of years of cautious participation in everyday living, it seems 2023 has moved at a rapid pace, and the common reflection of, ‘what pandemic?’ is shared as society has returned to planning for new events, holidays and gatherings that see people come together to learn, celebrate, and grow.