Dear Sisters in Christ,
As we enter the season of Advent, we are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, a time of joyful anticipation and spiritual renewal. Advent is a sacred time, not just for reflection on the birth of Jesus, but for reawakening our sense of hope, peace, love, and joy. These themes resonate deeply with the mission of the Catholic Council of Women, as we strive to live out the Gospel in our homes, communities, and the world.
In this Advent season, we are reminded that waiting is not a passive act, but an active preparation of the heart. We wait with purpose, cultivating virtues that strengthen us as people of faith. As we await Christ’s birth, we are also called to renew our commitment to service, to love and care for one another, and to be witnesses of God's grace in our daily lives.
Hope: Advent reminds us that hope is not just a wish for something better; it is a trust in God's plan, a firm belief that He is with us and will guide us through any darkness. In our work as women of the Church, we bring this hope to others, uplifting those in need and trusting that God's light will always shine through.
Peace: As we prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace, we are invited to make peace a priority in our hearts and in our interactions. In a world filled with noise and conflict, we must be bearers of peace, spreading kindness, understanding, and reconciliation wherever we go.
Love: Advent calls us to reflect on God's love for us, a love so profound that He sent His Son to be with us. As women, we are called to embody this love in our families, our parishes, and our communities, serving others selflessly and recognizing the dignity of every person we encounter.
Joy: Finally, Advent is a season of joy. It is a time to rejoice in the promise of Christ’s coming and the beauty of His presence in our lives. The joy of the season is not just about festive celebrations, but about finding deep joy in knowing that God is with us and that we are part of His plan of salvation.
A key figure who embodies these virtues during Advent is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mary’s role in the Advent season is one of profound significance and example for all of us, especially as women of faith. In her “yes” to God’s call, Mary teaches us the meaning of hope. Her acceptance of God’s plan, despite the unknowns and challenges, was an act of great trust and courage. She inspires us to place our own hope in God’s providence, knowing that He will guide us in our own journey of faith.
Mary is also the embodiment of peace. In her quiet, humble acceptance of God’s will, she brought peace into the world through the birth of Jesus. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we look to Mary as a model of peace in our hearts and in our homes. Her “fiat,” her willingness to be a servant of the Lord, calls us to bring peace wherever we go.
Mary's love for her Son, Jesus, and her devotion to God are perfect examples of the love that Advent invites us to cultivate in our own lives. She shows us that love is not just a feeling, but a willingness to serve and sacrifice for others. As women of faith, we are called to embody this same selfless love, nurturing those in our care and reaching out to those in need.
Finally, Mary's journey to motherhood was one of joy. She joyfully awaited the birth of her Son, knowing that His coming would change the world forever. Her joy in the presence of Jesus was not only for herself but shared with all who encountered Him. During Advent, we are reminded to open our hearts with the same joy, anticipating the coming of Christ in our lives and the world.
In addition to Mary’s example, the prophet Isaiah offers us profound insights into the Advent season. Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Messiah, the Savior who would bring redemption to the world. His words, full of hope, call us to prepare a way for the Lord in our own hearts. "A voice of one calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'" (Isaiah 40:3) Like the prophet Isaiah, we are called to be messengers of God's promise, preparing the way for Christ by living lives that reflect His light and love.
Also, we are reminded of the role of John the Baptist, who called people to repentance and preparation for the coming of Jesus. John’s message of repentance and renewal is central to Advent, as it invites us to examine our hearts and remove the obstacles that hinder our relationship with God. John’s mission was to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus, just as we, too, are called to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Savior.
As we reflect on these figures and the message of Advent, we are reminded of the dignity of human life from conception. The Advent season is a time to honor the sacredness of life, recognizing that each person is created in the image and likeness of God. From the moment of conception, life is a precious gift, and as women of faith, we are called to uphold and defend the dignity of all human life, from its very beginning to its natural end. In Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus, we see a beautiful affirmation of the sanctity of life. She carried Jesus, the Son of God, in her womb, showing us the great value of life at all stages.
As members of the Catholic Council of Women, we have a special role in spreading these Advent virtues and defending the sanctity of life. Let us support one another in this time of waiting, praying for strength, patience, and compassion as we continue our work of service and outreach. May this Advent be a time of deep renewal for each of us, so that we may be more faithful witnesses to Christ in the world, following the example of our Blessed Mother, the prophet Isaiah, and John the Baptist.
May the peace, love, hope, joy, and reverence for life fill your hearts and homes this season.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Adrian Leszko
Administrator
At St. Charles Borromeo
Roman Catholic Church
And its missions 
“Manete in Me et Ego in vobis”