Agape’s Annual Advent Evening begins with a circle in the dark around a bonfire, with readings from the Prophet Isaiah and a procession into Francis House, where participants are greeted with Princess Pine picked from Agape’s homestead where it grows abundantly.

This year’s homily will be given by Eileen Markey, author of newly released biography (Nation) “A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura”

Eileen Markey, a journalist who has written about poverty and urban policy since 2000, is a graduate of Fordham University, a native of Springfield and a friend of Agape. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, the Village Voice, America, Commonweal and National Catholic Reporter.

Young and old participate in the blessing of the Advent Wreath, focused on the birth of the nonviolent Prince of Peace and petitions for mercy in our complicity as a country in war, antithetical to the nonviolent life and teachings of Jesus.

This event includes:

• Readings and skits that relate to social justice and current trouble spots such as Guantanamo, the war in the Middle East plus environmental concerns
• Chanting of traditional O Antiphons- The seven O Antiphons are ‘ohs of ecstasy,’ cries of the heart, cries of rapture, awe, wonder, mystery and adoration.
• Liturgy of the word and community led prayers of petition and music of the season
• Pot-luck follows.