On Tuesday, 8^th December, feast of the Immaculate Conception, we Augustinian brethren gathered together at the Church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel, Paceville for a moment of prayer during advent. The gathering started with praying the 9 o’clock morning Psalms. This was followed by some spiritual thoughts by Fr. Franco Fenech and ended with Adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and a Sacramental Blessing.

This short period of prayer together was held instead of the usual Advent retreat which is held annually. However, in view of the pandemic, this year we were constrained to hold this retreat in such a restricted way. Nonetheless, it was a good occasion that, whilst adhering to all the health authorities’ directives, we got together and reflected on the true meaning of Advent during these particular times that we are presently living.