The nine days before Christmas are marked in our liturgy with special prayers imploring Christ to come among us. Each day addresses him with a different title, drawn from the prophets. We begin with “O Wisdom” and conclude with “O Emmanuel.” The prayers of these days express more strongly the Advent attitude of thanksgiving combined with expectation. The Son of God has already come among us in the flesh; we wait for him to come again in glory.
This novena is celebrated in different ways around the world. The most striking example is the “Simbang Gabi”, the dawn Masses which have been part of Filipino life since 1587. The Filipino people view Simbang Gabi as an expression of their faith and also about the deeper meaning of preparing one’s heart for Christ. Many Filipinos believe that if they complete the nine days of Mass, their wishes and prayers will be granted. Through prayer, community, and shared food, it is an expression of gratitude, devotion, and joy as they await the birth of Christ. All are welcome and join the Filipino community at St Patrick’s Church starting 16th December to 24th December at 5am.
Inspired by that, but recognising we are in a different culture, the Bishop will observe the novena this year by offering Mass each day at various times in the churches of the Cathedral parish.
To join in at least one of these celebrations would be a good way, in the midst of the world’s distractions, to focus on what we are really preparing to celebrate at Christmas.
Bishop McKenna has invited The Most Reverend Charles Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, to visit the Diocese of Bathurst from 14th to 19th December. During his stay, Archbishop Balvo will be the Principal Celebrant at several of the novena Masses with Bishop McKenna concelebrating.
Bishop McKenna’s Advent Novena Schedule – December 2024
- Tue 17th – 10.00am – Holy Family Chapel Advent Novena
(Arch Balvo (Apostolic Nuncio) the Principal Celebrant) - Wed 18th – 6.00pm – Rockley Advent Novena
(Arch Balvo (Apostolic Nuncio) the Principal Celebrant) - Thurs 19th – 10.00am – St Catherine’s Advent Novena
(Arch Balvo (Apostolic Nuncio) the Principal Celebrant) - Fri 20th – 6.00pm – Wattle Flat Advent Novena
- Sat 21st – 6.00pm – Perthville Advent Novena
- Sun 22nd – 6.00pm – Assumption Advent Novena
- Mon 23rd – 6.00pm – Burraga Advent Novena/Christmas Mass
- Tues 24th – Midnight – Cathedral Midnight Mass