Welcoming without resignation and waiting in hope

Holy Mary, Virgin of waiting, give us the soul of a watchman.

Now that we have arrived at the threshold of the third millennium, we unfortunately feel like we are the sons of twilight rather than the prophets of Advent.

O Sentinel of the morning, awaken in our hearts the passion to bring fresh news to a world that already feels old.

Bring us at last the harp and the zither, so that with you, lover of the morning, we may awaken the dawn.

Facing the changes that agitate history, give us the grace to feel the thrill of new beginnings.

Make us understand that it is not enough to welcome among us: we must wait as well.

Greeting is sometimes a sign of resignation.

Waiting is always a sign of hope.

For this reason, make us ministers of waiting.

When the Lord comes, O Virgin of Advent, let him find us, with your maternal complicity, with a lamp in our hand.

Bishop Tonino Bello (1935-1993), bishop of Molfetta, Apulia, Italy

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