This weekend marked the beginning of Advent, a time when Advent wreaths were lit in parishes and dioceses across the country.
Bishop of Brooklyn Robert Brennan spent his first Sunday of Advent at the San Damiano Mission in Williamsburg.
It’s a church that’s directed by the Shalom Catholic Community, an international association of faithful, recognized by the Vatican.
After celebrating Mass, Bishop Brennan joined the community at their weekly breakfast at the Shalom Cafe.
Each of the candles lit on Advent wreaths holds a special meaning. The three purple candles represent prayer, penance and preparation.
Historically, Advent was known as “little Lent”, which is why the color purple is used.
The rose/pink-colored candle, which is lit on the third Sunday, marks the midway point of Advent, and since it’s supposed to be a day for rejoicing, its color is different.