Advent Activities

The Little Flowers have had an eventful December. We sold out of Advent Candles. We completed a service project by working at the Christmas tree lot. 

Our planned adventure to Our Lady of the Snows was postponed as it coincided with the path of a tornado. Instead we gathered at our home for dinner and petal meeting. We ended up moving the party down to the basement when the sirens sounded. 

St. Lucy, or Lucia whose name means “light” of Sicily (283-304) secretly devoted her life to Jesus. Her mother wanted her to marry a man who did not believe in God. Lucy’s mother became very ill. Lucy persuaded her to go to the tomb of St Agatha to pray for healing. She was healed and her mother agreed to break off the engagement out of gratitude to God. Furious, the man had her tortured and martyred. She is often shown with her eyes on a plate, for once they were removed, they miraculously returned. She also holds a palm symbolizing victory over evil. She is the patron of eye problems. 

Many countries celebrate St Lucy’s feast day. The eldest daughter in the family wears a white dress with a red ribbon (for martyrdom) tied at the waist and a wreath of candles (light) on her head. She loyally serves breakfast, usually sweet buns to family and friends.  

We made paper candle crowns to remember St. Lucy. The girls were encouraged to serve breakfast to their families as girls all over the world will do on Lucy's feast day, December 13, spreading light to the world. We also planted wheat which should sprout with new life right around Christmas day. The wheat reminds us of what will become the bread of life, as Jesus came to us on a bed of hay, as food for all. 

We learned about the virtue of Loyalty. Loyalty is faithfulness to a cause or belief. We are called to be loyal to God and our faith. We should also be loyal to our family and friends when they are following God’s will. It means we stick together and support each other. In the Bible, Ruth is a good example of the virtue of loyalty.  For it is loyalty that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. -Hosea 6:6

Red poppies remind us of the blood of the martyrs, like St. Lucy. They represent eternal sleep and are often used to commemorate fallen soldiers. 

Our favorite Iris Lady, Jean taught us the skill of flower arranging as we made bouquets to deliver to the residents of St. Agnes Home. We got to spread a little joy on Gaudate Sunday! We also submitted coloring sheets of Irises for the American Iris Society's art competition. We are working toward our St. Therese Floriculture badge.  

Happy Gaudate and Bambinelli Sunday, and the Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe! Have you remembered your Jesse Tree today?

May God Bless us and help us grow in the virtue of Loyalty.

Advent Activities continue as we look forward to our Adventure at Our Lady of the Snows tonight!