Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando has issued a letter to mark the beginning of the Advent season, reflecting on its spiritual significance and encouraging acts of love and preparation among Catholics.

In his message, Bishop Noonan emphasized the central role of love in Christian life. He cited St. Paul, stating, “Love is the fulfillment of the law.” The bishop described God’s enduring presence throughout history as “perfect love,” inviting believers to participate in salvation history by living according to God’s will.

Advent, he wrote, is a time for prayerful preparation and self-assessment before celebrating the Nativity. Drawing parallels between preparing for a child’s birth and spiritual readiness, Bishop Noonan encouraged faithful to consider both material and spiritual needs during this period.

He continued: “As Moses prays in Psalm 90, ‘Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.’”

The bishop also highlighted charity as an essential aspect of Advent. He urged people to reach out to those who are mourning or less fortunate, and to show kindness in daily interactions. “Our prayer during Advent is one of movement; it is the charity of reaching out to one another,” he wrote.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Noonan added: “God’s will is the law of life that the Father himself was the first to follow, by loving us unconditionally in his Son, Jesus. Brothers and sisters, let us look to Jesus! He shows us the meaning of authentic love for God and for others. It is a love that is generous, not possessive; a love that forgives without question; a love that reaches out and never abandons others. In Christ, God made himself a neighbor to each and every man and woman. That is why each of us can and should become a neighbor to all whom we meet. Imitating the example of Jesus, the Savior of the world, we too are called to bring consolation and hope, above all to those who are experiencing discouragement and disappointment.”

Bishop Noonan described shining as “God’s light” by repairing what is broken within oneself or one’s community: “When we shine as God’s light, we repair or repent from what is broken.”

He concluded with reference to December 8th's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: “This holy season of Advent, let us open our hearts to God’s will, that we deliver His Peace all the days of our life.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968. It includes 79 parishes across Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties under Bishop John Noonan's leadership.