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O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! In ancient times it was unthinkable for faithful to use the name of God, so they would refer to him with the title "Adonai". The word "Adonai" simply means "Lord". The title is also used in the Old Testament for King Saul and King David. Jesus is the true Lord and King, the "Adonai" of heaven and earth.

The O Antiphons are part of the Vespers office recited during the seven days leading up to Christmas. This culmination of prayer contains an Old Testament promise of the Messiah. At the end of Advent, the Incarnation of Jesus on Christmas Day is the fulfillment of the desire of every human heart. The first antiphon is "O Sapientia" meaning, Wisdom. Together we pray: O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

ROME (12-10-2021) - The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square and the blessing of the Nativity scene was held on December 10 during an evening ceremony in the Vatican's audience hall. Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, gave the closing remarks, acknowledging the masterful artistic work of the Peruvian artists who created the Nativity scene, and those who made it possible to erect the 91' spruce tree from Andalo, Italy, for this year's [...]

ROME (12-09-2021) - As Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE, will preside with Archbishop Fernando Vergez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, over the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree and presentation of the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square on December 10, at 5:00 p.m. Rome time. Sister Raffaella will present words of greeting during the ceremony. Delegations from the places of origin of the tree and the Nativity scene will be [...]

MERIDEN, CT (11-20-2021) - The 30th Annual Franciscan Christmas Fair held Saturday, November 20, on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, welcomed hundreds of people of all ages. The sunny, picture-perfect weather matched the joyful disposition of fair-goers, many of whom expressed their enthusiasm to be back in-person at the fair. Last year the Franciscan Christmas Fair was a virtual event featuring videos of Living Creches from the past and online shopping. The event benefits Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. [...]

ROME (11-04-2021) - Pope Francis announced today the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE as Secretary General of the Vatican City State. As a Community dedicated to serving the Church and the Holy Father, we hold Sister Raffaella in prayerful support as she assumes her new mission within the Church. Sister Raffaella, a native of Rome, has served the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples since 2005. She professed her perpetual vows in the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 2007 and was elected as a member [...]