How To Hope

In the days leading up to Christmas, join the Dominican student brothers as we prepare for this great feast through a series of Advent reflections about hope.

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"It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope." (Pope Benedict XVI)

The story of Christmas is one which instills joy and hope in the hearts of all believers. As we approach this great day we can reflect on the way in which we can prepare our hearts to grow in hope so that we can, filled with hope worship the Jesus, the king of the universe, lying as a baby in a manger. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

The Programme

Over the course of 8 days, we will look at different perspectives on how we can hope. Each day you will receive a video reflection from one of the student brothers:

Day 1: Introduction (Br. Bede Mullens OP)

Day 2: The Anchor: an image of hope (Br. John Church OP)

Day 3: St. Rita of Cascia: An example of hope (Br Alin Ardei OP)

Day 4: Personal Hope (Br. George Gillow OP)

Day 5: Facing the regrets of the past (Br Reginald Herbert OP)

Day 6: Hope amidst scandals and crises (Br Jerome Johnson OP)

Day 7: Like a child (Br John Peter Anderson OP)

Day 8: Tomorrow (Br Augustine Joseph Chen OP)


We encourage you to join us, so that when this great feast arrives, we may all be ready, filled with the hope, joy and peace of Christmas!

Click on JOIN to receive the prayers

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Prayer from the retreat

The Collect of Christmas (Vigil Mass)

O God, who gladden us year by year as we wait in hope for our redemption, grant that, just as we joyfully welcome your Only Begotten Son as our Redeemer, we may also merit to face him confidently when he comes again as our Judge. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.