Across the British Province, there are many ways to pray, reflect, come together, and accompany others in the weeks leading up to Christmas — whether through art, guided prayer, acts of compassion or community gatherings.
This year’s Jesuits in Britain Advent Calendar brings together a rich variety of resources, events, and opportunities to help you prepare for the coming of Christ in a prayerful and meaningful way. You can download the calendar below and explore the full list of offerings across the Jesuit community.
Inside, you will find a daily selection of offerings: carol services and Christmas concerts from Jesuit parishes and schools; Advent retreats and guided prayer resources both online and in person; reflections from our online journal Thinking Faith; invitations to acts of solidarity; and chances to encounter sacred art, youth events, and moments of stillness. Each day opens a door onto something new to accompany you through the season.
Speaking about this special time of year, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Britain, said:
“Advent is a time of happy anticipation of the coming of the Lord. Does this mean ignoring the troubles of the world and our own worries? Not at all. We’re looking forward to the coming of the Prince of Peace, and this Prince gives us some of His peace already during this holy time.
“We’re looking forward to a peace that would be so welcome. That peace is already in our heart. That peace is our trust in God. That peace is our calm attention to our work for justice. That peace is a gift to us, but also a gift from us.”
You can watch his full Advent message by clicking here
The Advent season helps you slow down, look again, and find God in all things, even in the busyness of our lives. Whether you’re drawn by music, prayer, service or reflection, there is something for everyone.
Here are a few highlights we encourage you to explore this Advent:
-Pray As You Go: Advent Psalms retreat: Starting on November 28th, this free audio retreat features weekly reflections on a different Psalm, written by a Jesuit priest, with meditations and Contemplation/Examen sessions to help you prepare spiritually for Christmas.
-Write to someone in detention with Jesuit Refugee Service UK: Send Christmas cards to individuals in immigration detention to offer compassion and human connection over the holidays. You can find out more about this here.
-Contemplate Quentin Matsys' masterpiece Christ Blessing: Now on display at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, this rediscovered painting from Campion Hall invites reflection on the mystery of Advent. Watch this short film to discover how the painting was rediscovered.
Begin your Advent journey with us today.
You can download a full-sized version and a mobile-friendly version of the calendar below.
