By Faith Addington, Catholic Editor
Long after the sun went down on Tuesday night, the chapel hosted Praise and Worship service, this time with a twist. Starting at 8:00 p.m., the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar was exposed by Father Jordan and after singing the opening hymn, “O Salutaris Hostia.” In praise of the Blessed Sacrament, Annalisa Maichele led the singers in a series of Christian songs praising the Lord.
At 8:30 p.m., Br. Andrés made his way to the ambo and began reading chapter 11 from the book of the prophet Isaiah. This chapter, on the coming of Jesus Christ, matched the homily that Br. Andrés gave shortly after regarding the season of Advent.
Advent is a period of four weeks before the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas day) celebrated by Christians all around the world.
“I knew that Advent was this time of preparation, of getting my heart ready for the Lord to be born, but I didn’t really know what that meant or how someone would go about doing that,” said Br. Andrés during his homily. “As time has gone on, I have realized what it means for my heart to be ready: for my heart to be a place where the Lord Jesus can be born again. It’s an invitation to peace.”
What once stood in conflict will be reconciled with the arrival of the Prince of Peace. In His presence, there is no harm, for He is peace. He makes all things right. “He doesn’t judge us superficially but He looks into the heart,” said Br. Andrés.
As read earlier in the book of Isaiah, “The wolf shall be the guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat…” (Isaiah 11:6). Advent provides the opportunity for greater hope through Jesus.
“Christ calls you to deeper prayer,” Br. Andrés said. Prayers of repentance and mercy, to attend mass with more frequency and go to confession. Jesus Christ can set each person free if one welcomes Him within his or her heart.
Near the end of his preaching, Br. Andrés left the congregation with a reflection: “What parts of their lives are most in need of the Prince of Peace?” And “Where in their life are they most in need of things being made right?”
Praise and Worship with Adoration ended promptly at 9:00 p.m. and students gathered in the front hall discussing the preaching.
“God really makes all things good, you know?” said freshman, John Petty. “He makes all things new, and talking about the Advent season, Br. Andrés really makes clear that it is a time for repentance and an increase in prayer and charity.”
Students had a lot to say about Br. Andrés’ ability to discuss the advent season and deliver his preachings.
“As someone who grew up going to Catholic schools and avidly attending Mass, I have never heard someone explain the preparation of Advent the way Br. Andrés did during his talk, said Emily Bissett, Campus Ministry Media Coordinator. “After the talk, I felt inspired to review the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit, in efforts to prepare my heart for the birth of Jesus.”
“Br. Andrés did a fantastic job exemplifying the spirit of what Advent is about. He did amazing. He’s an absolute legend,” said Petty.
Br. Andrés will continue to be at Aquinas until the end of the school year, in May of 2025.
“The entire Aquinas College community is blessed to have Br. Andrés here and should really take the time to get to know him,” said Bissett
Br. Andrés delivering the homily – Photo by Emily Bissett
The Saint 