The online interactive Advent Calendar from the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has been viewed thousands of times since it went live on Sunday 29 November – the First Sunday of Advent.

The unique interactive calendar is being viewed in parishes, schools and by families across Ireland and as far away as Malaysia and Sydney, Australia.

Launching the calendar, Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “While it is has been a very trying year for all us due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the season of Advent offers a new beginning and a promise of hope for better times.  Each day in Advent, behind a virtual door on our calendar, we will offer ideas to help spiritually prepare for our Lord’s coming at Christmas, such as thoughtful reflections as well as challenges for change and conversion.  In our  preparation for the His coming, we stay alert for the unexpected moment when the Lord comes to us in other people, in our daily experiences, including his presence in the sick, the poor and the stranger.”

“From Sunday, until Christmas, let us take just five minutes each day for reflection to find moments of peace so as to rediscover the true meaning of Advent and thereby spiritually grow throughout this season. I invite everyone to be part of #SharingHope this Advent season by availing of the helpful resources on our calendar and by sharing these on social media.”

The Advent Calendar is live now on www.catholicbishops.ie/adventcalendar.