The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. Although it had its origins in Protestantism, Lessons and Carols is a custom which has also been adapted by many Catholic churches, especially as a way to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The lessons (or readings) and the carols provide us with a kind of communal Lectio Divina – a time to pray, sing, and ponder over the sacred texts in common, a time to contemplate the great mystery of our Lord’s Incarnation, and to joyfully anticipate His second coming.
The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in five short Bible readings or lessons from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir anthems.
We invite you to join us at Our Lady of Mercy Church on Sunday, December 1st for this special presentation as we prepare for Advent and the birth of our Lord.
Led by Father Joseph, and accompanied by Leanne Moran, Frank Brennan, Dan Sonier and St. Patrick High School students and special guests from F.I.L.M. Triumphant Canada.
Forum for the Inculturation of Liturgical Music (F.I.L.M.) is an assembly of Nigerian universities' catholic students' choirs. They perform original compositions, in several Nigerian languages, for use in the catholic liturgy.