The first Advent candle, a symbol of hope and anticipation, was lit in Đardin in Kaštel Novi on Saturday. The service of words and the ceremony of lighting the first Advent candle were led by Don Gabrijel Kamber, pastor of the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Kaštel Novi, while the first candle was lit by Mario Škopljanac, president of the City Council. For the thirteenth year in a row, the Advent candle lighting ceremony is organized by the City of Kaštela and the Tourist Board of the City of Kaštela.
Along with the appropriate prayer and blessing, the program of the lighting of the first Advent candle was completed with a performance by the Kaštelanke Choir, the Štorija Klapa, the Parish and Children's Choir of St. Peter the Apostle, and the Snaga vjere Choir.
- I had the honor of lighting the first Advent candle, the candle of hope. And now we are in a time of anticipation for the birth of our King, Jesus Christ. I wish all my fellow citizens to spend this greatest holiday with their families, with the hope that everyone will go through this Advent season in health and happiness - said the President of the City Council Mario Škopljanac during the candle lighting, adding that he was very pleased that this celebration brought together a large number of children who need to learn what Advent and the Advent season mean.
The event was held on the eve of the first Sunday of Advent, which begins the period of preparation, communion and joy of the coming Christmas. A spiritual message to the faithful was delivered by Don Gabrijel Kamber, pastor of the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Kaštel Novi, who led the blessing of the candle.
- We are beginning a very liturgical season. The season of Advent, which is a time of peace and interiority, a time of kindness and compassion. This beginning of ours hides within itself one desire - to bring into our world the light that has its beginning in the form of a small child who decided to become one of us - said Don Gabriel.
He added that the light of the candle symbolizes Christ "who is greater and stronger than any darkness that can engulf our world and our lives," after which a blessing ceremony was performed.
During the program's festivities, visitors had the opportunity to taste the special mulled wine and desserts, as well as a large selection of Advent wreaths and Christmas decorations made by Kastel associations.
Let us add that this year, the Đardin area is adorned with an 18-meter-long Advent wreath, made by teachers and students of the Braća Radić Secondary School from Kaštel Štafilić.
Photo: Ivana Topic
