The Advent Virgin

Introduction

Advent is a key term in Catholic theology, emphasizing the time of preparation for Christmas, inviting the faithful to remember Christ’s birth not merely as a historical event but as a decisive experience of faith. It is not just the period leading up to December 25th, but a time of expectation and, simultaneously, the coming of Jesus Christ, who was expected yesterday, today, and always, for He is the One who came, comes, and will come. Thus, Advent is characterized as a time of non-disappointing anticipation, conversion, warm receptivity that becomes constant praise, joyful hope that turns into love and prayer, and admiration leading to contemplation. The believer awaits Christ’s coming in the humility of our flesh, watching and with a bridegroom’s heart, preparing to meet Him in glory.

The liturgy of the Advent season celebrates the two comings of Christ the Lord: the first, in humble silence, when the Son of God took on flesh in the Virgin Mary; and the second, in glory, when He will return to judge the living and the dead. Within this unique perspective, the Church turns its gaze toward Mary, seeking her help in imitating Christ and adopting the attitudes she lived in waiting for and welcoming the Lord.

Maria na Liturgia do Advento

The lights of the mystery of Mary in Advent are present in the biblical pages of the Lectionary and in the presidential prayers of the Missal, which structure each Eucharistic celebration. These prayers, including the collect, the prayer over the offerings (or super oblata), and the prayer of thanksgiving (or post communion), are fundamental for a Marian spirituality centered on liturgical prayer. The regular reading and meditation of these prayers spiritually enrich the faithful, renewing the memory of faith and guiding actions in an authentic Christian spirit.

The Western Marian eucology is not limited to the Eucharistic celebration but also encompasses the Liturgy of the Hours, with psalms interspersed by antiphons, readings followed by responsories, hymns, and intercessory prayers. These ancient texts grant the Virgin a special place and are effective means for prayer, formulation of faith, spiritual deepening, and organization of Christian life. Advent is a celebration of the waiting for the Messiah and also an opportunity to rediscover Mary as a model of the spirit with which the Church lives and celebrates the divine mysteries (Marialis cultus 16).

She stands out in the biblical prophecies about Mary, such as Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14, 11:1, and Micah 5:1-2. Beyond the prophecies, the liturgy presents maternal figures that prefigure Mary, such as Ruth, Manoah, Hannah, and Elizabeth. The celebration of Advent emphasizes three main Marian mysteries: the Immaculate Conception (December 8), the Annunciation (December 20), and the Visitation (December 21).

The liturgy uses symbols to celebrate Mary, such as the earth (the womb that bore the Savior), the gate (leading to salvation), the house (dwelling of the Word for nine months), and the temple (divine presence in Mary). The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the preservation of Mary from original sin. On the same day, the Annunciation of the angel to Mary is proclaimed (Luke 1:30-31).

Piedade Popular Mariana no Advento

Beyond the liturgy, popular piety also pays special attention to Mary during Advent. Acts of devotion, such as novenas, are common, especially the Novena of the Immaculate Conception and that of Christmas. The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy recommends practices like the Advent wreath, processions, reflections on human labor (“Winter Ember Days”), participatory Vespers for the Nativity novena, and the creation of nativity scenes.

Novena da Imaculada Conceição

The Directory (§102) highlights the Novena of the Immaculate Conception as an occasion for popular manifestations, including the offering of flowers in public squares, especially in Piazza di Spagna, in Rome. This practice translates into a proposal for evangelical life and inspires the faithful to seek strength against evil in view of the Kingdom of God. The novena relates the mystery of Mary’s purity with Advent themes, celebrating her vocation to holiness.

Angelus Domini

The Angelus Domini, a simple yet theologically rich prayer, recalls three times a day the announcement of the Angel to Mary and the Incarnation of the Word. This pious exercise highlights Maria’s active response to the divine call, rejecting any passive view. She is presented as a woman who proclaims divine justice and defends the humble. Reciting the Angelus in family, accompanied by catechesis, is encouraged during Advent.

Ladainhas de Santa Maria da Esperança

The litanies “Santa Maria della Speranza” celebrate Mary as a model of hope, especially for the poor and oppressed. During Advent, these litanies invoke Mary as the “faithful woman in waiting,” symbolizing light in the dark moments of Christian life. She is seen as a luminous sign on the path of the Church, inspiring perseverance in salvation.

Recommended Reading: Marialis Cultus (Paul VI), Apostolic Exhortation on Marian Devotion.Deepen Your Studies: Explore Mariology, Theological Mariana, Marian Appearances, and the Pós-Graduação em Mariologia.Conclusion: During this brief four-week period, both the Roman liturgy and popular piety honor Mary exemplarily, recalling her as one who fully lived out the expectation for the birth of Jesus, the Emmanuel, “God with us” (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 102-103). Mary, a symbol of hope and obedience, guides the Church and the faithful in living out the mystery of Advent, showing the way to the coming of the Savior.The Locus Mariologicus Institute is the world’s academic reference point for Mariology. Discover our resources on Theological Mariana, Marian Appearances, and the Postgraduate Degree in Mariology.