Our Franciscan Sisters Motherhouse Advent Wreath is unique. The wreath has the 4 traditional candles of 3 purple and 1 pink, but it also has a manger filled with straw. Ken Turba, father of Sister Elaine Turba, crafted the manger. It certainly is a special symbol of love.
But why add a manger? It helps focus us even more vividly on the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus. St. Francis liked this kind of practical spirituality help.
In 1223, he asked a friend to help him create a live manger scene for Christmas. As the townspeople gathered at the site, St. Francis sang and spoke about the Baby Jesus. One of the faithful saw St. Francis cradling Jesus in his arms. Since that night, the Christmas crib has become an important part of Christmas traditions
Including this symbol in our Advent preparations, we, unite ourselves with St. Francis and look forward to the Feast of the Incarnation with great joy.
