Advent Calendar: Roman Angels 14

Angels in the Church of San Francesco a Ripa (Trastevere)

Make ye straight what long was crooked,
make the rougher places plain:
let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits his holy reign,
For the glory of the Lord
now o'er the earth is shed abroad,
and all flesh shall see the token
that his word is never broken.
Advent Hymn #67
From The Hymnal 1982

Advent Calendar: Roman Angels 13

Angels on a column (c. 1975)

Church of Sant' Illario di Poitiers

See that your lamps are burning; replenish them with oil;
and wait for your salvation, the end of earthly toil.
The watchers on the mountain proclaim the Bridegroom near;
go meet him as he cometh, with alleluias clear.
Advent Hymn #68
From The Hymnal 1982

Advent Calendar: Roman Angels 12

The Third Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday
"Gaudete" comes from the Latin Antiphon, which begins, "Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.." [Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice...]. On this day, rose-colored vestments are worn, and flowers may decorate the chancel of the church.

Angel in the folds of the Madonna's Robe

Basilica Santa Anastasia on the Palatine Hill

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
ever faithful to your promises
and ever close to your Church:
the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior's coming
and looks forward with longing
to his return at the end of time.
Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness
that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope
which his presence will bestow,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.

The Opening Mass Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent
From the Companion Missal

Advent Calendar: Roman Angels 11

Angels with a Clock

Facade of the Saint Peter's Basilica

A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
 the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:1-2 NRSV

Advent Calendar: Roman Angels 10

Angels above a Side Altar

Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano

Creator of the stars of night,

Thy people’s everlasting light,

Jesu, Redeemer, save us all,

And hear Thy servants when they call.
Advent Hymn #60
From The Hymnal 1982

Advent Calendar: Roman Angels 9

Closet Angels

in a vesting room of the Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.
Advent Hymn # 66
from the Hymnal 1982

Advent Calendar: Roman Angels 8

Sarcophagus Angel

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Prepare the way, O Zion; your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
Greet one who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
Oh, blest is Christ that come In God’s most holy name.
Advent Hymn # 65
from the Hymnal 1982