The existence of angels has long been debated, and yet, many human beings still believe in their existence. Why? Come and explore the presence, meaning, and message of angels as expressed both in scripture and in fiction, and decide for yourself. We will travel with angels from Eden, to heaven, to Mary, to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and consider what message they had for us then and still have for us now as we prepare for Christ’s coming this Advent and Christmas.

Schedule:

9:30 Opening Address: the history of angels, especially focusing on Michael the Archangel

10:15 -10: 30 reflection time

10:30 From Eve to Ave: the fall and the annunciation

11:00 Reflection time

11:30 Mary ponders with the angel of the Morning

12:00-12:45 Noon office and short reflection on the meditations

Sr. Madeleine Mary, CSM is Prioress at the Community of St. Mary, Southern Province, and holds an M.Div. from The School of Theology as well as a certificate in Spiritual Direction from The General Seminary. She has been a Religious for fifty years, has served as a spiritual director for thirty-one years in New York, Virginia, New Haven, and Sewanee. She has also done retreat work and programs widely throughout the United States as well as in Europe. While living in New York, she ministered in numerous capacities, including serving as the Rev. Mother of the Community of the Holy Spirit, Program Director for the CHS Earth Ministry, Ecumenical Officer for the Episcopal Religious Orders. Since she transferred to the Community of St. Mary, she has served as Prioress and has used her preaching, reflections, photography and video skills to help people explore the connections between faith, care for creation, and Benedictine spirituality.