Join the Carmelite friars of Oxford for an inspiring journey through Advent
As we arrive at the annual season of Advent, our thoughts will begin to turn once again to Bethlehem and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The name derives from the Latin Adventus (meaning coming or arrival) and at this special time we anticipate and prepare for the coming of Christ on three levels: his physical nativity in Bethlehem, our reception of Christ in our hearts, and our anticipation of his Second Coming.
There are many practical activities and traditions associated with the Christian celebration of Advent, including wreaths, candles, calendars and daily devotionals. Particular forms of prayer and meditations are also important, but the core of Advent is the journey we ourselves make towards the stable of Bethlehem.
This year the Carmelite Friars of Boars Hill, Oxford have created a very special and spiritually enriching retreat pathway through Advent, and they are inviting everyone to join them on the journey.
“These retreats have been designed with you in mind, to offer you an enriching experience this Advent as we await the Christ of God who comes to us at Christmas,” said Fr Alexander Ezechukwu, OCD, the Prior at Boars Hill.
“The mystery is lived in the waiting and this is the great blessing of Advent. Let us accompany you on the journey.”
There are three retreat pathways available for 2024:
“An Advent Journey with the Women in Jesus’ Lineage”
Online Retreat (via Zoom)
December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd – Join us on Sundays as we reflect on the courage and faith of women in Jesus’ genealogy—figures like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Their stories offer powerful insights for our own journeys through Advent and inspire us to embrace our place in God’s unfolding story. The Carmelite friars and Kathleen MacInnis will be your trusted guides for this retreat.
“Advent Meditations with Poetry and Art”
Online Retreat (via Zoom)
December 3rd & 10th – Join us on these two days as we prepare to welcome the Word who is Life – a Word that we will hear and see and touch as we engage with poetry and art. Each session will offer reflective material and input, together with time for sharing and building community together, all so that the message of Christ, in all its richness, may find a home with us (Col 3:16).
Susan Muto and Lori MacMahon our guides and their insights will help you connect more deeply to the mystery of the Incarnation.
“Advent Residential Retreat with St. John of the Cross”
Residential Retreat
December 13th – 15th – During this Advent residential weekend retreat in Boars Hill Oxford, we will ponder and pray with Saint John of the Cross as he reflects on the pregnant Virgin Mother of God, awaiting the birth of her child. How this birth fulfils the prophetic and messianic longing of the ancient Hebrews and our own deepest longings will be explored. This retreat will invite us to enter into mystery of the waiting and expectancy of Advent in order to experience in a new way the power and promise of the Incarnation of the Word of God.
You can find out more and register for these inspiring and insightful online and residential sessions on the Carmelite Priory website …