Advent is a particularly important liturgical period in the Christian calendar. Spanning the four weeks before Christmas, it is marked by a twofold expectation: that of the celebration of Christ's birth and that of his glorious return at the end of time. During this period, several patron saints are honoured. These spiritual figures illuminate this time of expectation with their faith, their hope and their commitment to God. Here is an overview of the most emblematic saints of the Advent season.
The Patron Saints of the Season of Advent: Models of faith and hope
The season of Advent is a particularly important liturgical period in the Christian calendar. Spanning the four weeks before Christmas, it is marked by a twofold expectation: that of the celebration of Christ's birth and that of his glorious return at the end of time. During this period, several patron saints are honoured. These spiritual figures illuminate this time of expectation with their faith, their hope and their commitment to God. Here is a round-up of the most emblematic saints of the Advent season.
1. Saint Andrew (November 30)
The feast of Saint Andrew, celebrated on November 30, often marks the beginning of the Advent season in the liturgical calendar. Saint Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, was one of the first apostles to follow Jesus. He is sometimes called the "first called" (in Greek, "Protokletos").
His role in Advent
St Andrew symbolises active waiting and evangelisation. By responding immediately to Christ's call, he sets an example of the vigilance and availability that Advent invites us to cultivate. His witness reminds us that Advent is a time to respond to God's call and to prepare our hearts to welcome the Saviour.
2. St Nicholas of Myra (6 December)
St Nicholas, celebrated on 6 December, is one of the most popular saints in Christianity. Bishop of Myre (in present-day Turkey), he is known for his charity and numerous miracles. He is also the originator of the legendary figure of Father Christmas in many cultures.
His role in Advent
Saint Nicholas embodies generosity and care for those in greatest need. During Advent, he invites us to live charity concretely, by sharing with those in need. His example is a reminder that preparing for the coming of Christ also means caring for others and sowing joy around us.
3. Saint Lucia of Syracuse (December 13)
St. Lucia, celebrated on December 13, was a Christian martyr from the fourth century. Her name, which means "light", makes her particularly significant in the context of Advent, a time marked by the light that grows as we approach Christmas.
Her role in Advent
Saint Lucia is a symbol of hope and light. Through her courage in the face of persecution, she bears witness to the strength of faith and the inner light that God gives to his faithful. She invites us to be bearers of light in a world often marked by darkness, and to prepare our hearts for the light of Christ at Christmas.
4. The Virgin Mary (8 December: Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
The Immaculate Conception, celebrated on 8 December, honours the Virgin Mary, conceived without sin to become the Mother of God. During Advent, Mary occupies a central place as a model of faith, obedience and expectation.
Her role in Advent
Mary is the perfect image of confident and joyful expectation. Her "yes" to the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation is a response full of love and faith. It teaches us to live Advent in humility and availability, preparing our lives to welcome Christ with a pure heart.
5. Saint John the Baptist
Although he does not have a specific feast day in December, Saint John the Baptist plays a central role in the Advent liturgy. A forerunner of Christ, he dedicated his life to preparing hearts for the coming of the Messiah by calling people to conversion.
His role in Advent
St John the Baptist is the voice crying out in the desert: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!" (Matthew 3:3). His call to repentance and inner preparation resonates strongly during Advent. It reminds us that this period is a time of spiritual transformation and return to God.
6. The Holy Prophets of the Old Testament
Advent is also a time when the Church honours the prophets of the Old Testament, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah and Micah, who announced the coming of the Messiah centuries before his birth.
Their role in Advent
These prophets proclaimed the hope of a coming salvation, despite the trials and tribulations of their time. Their words, often read in the Advent liturgy, invite us to await Christ with faith and hope. They remind us that God always fulfils his promises, even when the wait seems long.
7. The Holy Innocents (28 December)
On 28 December, the Church celebrates the memory of the Holy Innocents, the children martyred by King Herod after the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:16-18). Although their feast falls after Christmas, they are intimately linked to the mystery of Christ's coming.
Their role in Advent
The Holy Innocents symbolise innocence and the price of the Saviour's coming in a world marked by suffering. They remind us that following Christ sometimes requires sacrifice, but that his love always triumphs.
Conclusion: Models for journeying towards Christmas
The patron saints of the Advent season offer us varied and rich examples of how to live this period with depth and intensity. Saint Andrew shows us how to respond to God's call with zeal, while Saint Nicholas invites us to practise charity. Saint Lucy illuminates our lives with hope, and the Virgin Mary guides us in confident and joyful expectation. Saint John the Baptist, meanwhile, reminds us of the importance of conversion, while the prophets encourage us to keep faith in the divine promises.
These saints accompany us on the road to Christmas, lighting our way and helping us prepare our hearts to welcome the light of Christ, the Saviour of the world. By following their examples and meditating on their lives, we can live Advent in greater communion with God and with our brothers and sisters.
