Christmas Retreat from Ampleforth Abbey

Preparation for Christmas just seems to get busier and busier. But the real preparation is in our hearts, where we welcome Jesus, God-among-us. Now is the time to focus on that preparation.

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"It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope" (Pope Benedict XVI)

But how can we ensure the busy-ness leading up to Christmas Day leaves room for goodness and hope? The Christmas Retreat from Ampleforth Abbey is an opportunity to devote time to prayer and reflection so that we can celebrate the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.

The Programme

Each day from 17 December up to and including Christmas Day a series of meditations and questions for reflections will be posted to help us prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.
And during the whole retreat you will have the opportunity to entrust your intentions for the new year that will be presented to the Holy Family in Bethlehem in January.

Prayer from the novena

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, 'Come Lord Jesus!' (Henri J. M. Nouwen)