Advent Prayer Service reflects on hope and anticipation
By Kristine Rilling12/15/2025
On December 9, an Advent Prayer Service was held in the Saint Mark Seminary Chapel. The service centered on the Great “O Antiphons,” ancient prayers of the church that express humanity’s longing for the promised Messiah.
The seminarians and clergy processed into the chapel by candlelight, with Bishop Lawrence T. Persico presiding, their voices rising in song throughout the evening.
The service followed an ancient custom observed by the church from December 17 through December 23, when one of the seven Great O Antiphons is prayed each day at Evening Prayer. Each antiphon addresses the Messiah with a different biblical title – such as O Wisdom, O Root of Jesse and O Emmanuel – expressing the church’s continuing hope for Christ’s coming. When the first letters of the Latin titles are read in reverse, they form the acrostic Ero Cras – “I will be there tomorrow” – a powerful reminder as Christmas draws near.
During his remarks, Bishop Persico invited those present to reflect on Advent as a season of anticipation – not passive waiting, but active hope rooted in salvation history. Drawing from Scripture, the bishop noted that God’s promise of salvation unfolded over time, reminding his people again and again that he had not abandoned them.
“The people who awaited the Messiah did not see the promise fulfilled all at once,” Bishop Persico reflected. “Yet throughout history, God continually reassured them that he was still with them.”
While Christians celebrate the fulfillment of that promise in the birth of Jesus, the bishop emphasized that Advent also points forward. “We know Jesus came in history,” he said, “but we also believe he will come again. Advent reminds us that we are still a people who wait, watch and prepare.”
Citing Pope Francis, Bishop Persico underscored that Christian waiting is active – lived out through faith, witness and daily commitment.
“As baptized Christians, we have a responsibility to remind one another that the story is not over,” he said. “We are a people of hope.”
Father Scott Jabo, vocation director for priestly vocations and rector of Saint Mark Seminary, closed the evening with words of gratitude for all who gathered to pray alongside the seminarians.
The prayer service concluded with a renewed call to trust in God’s timing and promises. As Bishop Persico reminded those gathered, God remains present and faithful, continuing to walk with his people until the end.
View photos here.
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