Author Topic: Advent wreath?? (Read 871 times)

CathMomof7 · « **on:** November 08, 2012, 06:54:36 PM »

Okay, please bear with me in patience and charity.

As I came to tradition via Protestantism and Novus Ordo, I am very confused about the custom of having an Advent wreath.

We have had one before in the past, but not recently. I am not certain if this is something Catholics do or not, should or not.

I am wanting to try some other things for advent that focus on penance and good works, but I am not sure what to make of the Advent wreath.

Yes, I know the origins are Lutheran, but I'd like to hear what you all have to say.

Vladimir · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2012, 06:56:42 PM »

Quote from: CathMomof7

Okay, please bear with me in patience and charity.

As I came to tradition via Protestantism and Novus Ordo, I am very confused about the custom of having an Advent wreath.

We have had one before in the past, but not recently. I am not certain if this is something Catholics do or not, should or not.

I am wanting to try some other things for advent that focus on penance and good works, but I am not sure what to make of the Advent wreath.

Yes, I know the origins are Lutheran, but I'd like to hear what you all have to say.

Somewhere either on this forum, or on another traditional Catholic forum, there was a discussion about this very topic.

The general consensus was that it is a good tradition.

Sigismund · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2012, 10:11:41 PM »

The Advent Wreath came into the Church fairly late, but there is certainly nothing wrong with it, no matter how traditional you are . Just use the right colors. (Purple for Advent Sundays 1,2, and 4, rose for Sunday 3.)

Maria Elizabeth · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2012, 10:17:29 PM »

Our (traditional) church bookstore sells Advent Wreaths and candles. It even has booklets for family devotionals for the nightly lighting of the candles.

(I always thought that Advent Wreaths were a Catholic tradition and that Lutherans "stole" the practice from Catholics.)

Sigismund · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2012, 12:04:34 AM »

Actually, I think it may be the other way around. However, even Lutherans can have a good idea once in awhile. If this was theirs, I am glad we stole it. They can't have it back. :smile:

Nadir · « **Reply #5 on:** November 09, 2012, 03:01:10 AM »

I'd never heard of the Advent wreath until later years, certainly not in my childhood. It means nothing to me except that when I attended N.O. the lighting of the Advent candle took the place of the penitential rite. At the time I thought that was a bit ridiculous.

Sigismund · « **Reply #6 on:** November 09, 2012, 09:25:47 AM »

It isn't supposed to replace the penitential rite. That was an abuse. You are right (and rite :smile:)
it is ridiculous.