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Show ADVENT. The season of Advent begins next Sunday. The name is derived from the Latin word, which signifies sig-nifies "arrived." It is applied to the four weeks preceding Christmas. The time is set apart : as a season of preparation for the Feast of the Nativity Na-tivity of the Son of God. In antiquity it dates as far back as the Feast of Christmas. The Council of Sargossa, held in the year 3S0, mentions the season of Advent, and laid down certain rules and regulations that should be observed. Its object is that Catholics, through prayer and fasting, should prepare themselves for the spiritual arrival of Christ. The fasting and abstinence formerly required, re-quired, or exacted by the ancient canons of the Church, are dispensed with in the United States. During the Advent time marriage, with great solemnity sol-emnity and pomp, is not allowed. In England and some other European countries, to perform marriage mar-riage a special 'license is required. To impress Catholics with the importance of preparing for the anniversary" of Christ's nativity the Church orders to be read in her services St. Paul's advice to the Romans after their conversion, conver-sion, xiii, 11-14: "They were to rise from their sice, since salvation was nearer than when they believed." be-lieved." The thoughts of Christmas proclaim this grand truth, namely, that Christ's coming brought salvation nearer, because he supplied the means of salvation, for which those who preceded his coming com-ing sighed and prayed. Advent was at one time called the Lent of Christmas, and consisted of forty days, which were observed in the same strict sense that Lent now is observed. At present it commences with the Sunday which is nearest to the Feast of St. Andrew. This feast is celebrated on Nov. 30 every year. A. - |