What Does the Advent Wreath Symbolize?

Why Do Catholics ...? feature from our Dec. 4 issue

“The Advent wreath represents the long time when people lived in spiritual darkness, waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the Light of the world,” according to EWTN.com.

“Each year in Advent, people wait once again in darkness for the coming of the Lord, his historical coming in the mystery of Bethlehem, his final coming at the end of time, and his special coming in every moment of grace.”



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Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square shortly after his election on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Habemus Papam

Our host, Dr. Matthew Bunson, VP and Editorial director for EWTN News is joined by Frank Rocca, Senior Vatican Analyst for EWTN News, and Hannah Brockhaus, Senior Vatican Correspondent for the Catholic News Agency, to discuss our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.