In the garden of Kaštel Novi, on Saturday evening before the last Sunday of Advent, the fourth Advent candle was lit - the candle of love.
In a special atmosphere, as the anticipation of Christmas approaches its peak, the fourth Advent candle was lit, a symbol of love. The love that connects us and teaches us understanding, patience and care for each other. Advent is a time when we draw closer to each other in a special way, especially with those who need our closeness the most. That is why this candle carries a strong message of togetherness and the warmth of love. Along with singing and praying, the people of Kaštela together lit the fourth Advent candle.
The service of the word was led by Don Gabriel Kamber, pastor of the parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Kaštel Novi, who addressed the gathering with the words:
– Dear brothers and sisters, I greet you all from the bottom of my heart here in Kaštel Novi, on the eve of the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Tonight we light a candle that symbolizes love and, if we consider that the Lord came to us, we can see that every action of God towards man is permeated with threads of love. Everything that God does for us, He does because He loves us. God has realized that we need His love and has decided, according to His truth, to reveal it to us. Tonight, as we light this Advent candle, let us also decide to be beings of love within our lives. May the spirit of Christmas, which comes through all our customs, also touch our hearts so that, as beings loved by God, we may be beings who love one another.
The evening was further enhanced by musical performances by the Sveti Jeronim a cappella group, the Gabine a cappella group, and the Kaštelanski tići children's city choir. At the very moment when Mayor Denis Ivanović was lighting a candle, the Kaštelanski tići invited the gathering with a song to lift their hearts, for dawn is coming.
On that occasion, the mayor also said a few words:
– This is a beautiful tradition that has been held in the garden of Kaštel Novi for many years. The last candle, the candle of love, tells us that we are getting closer to Christmas itself, practically the peak of this coming, the Advent season. Slowly, one feels peace and tranquility, and on the other hand, joy among people.
For the third year in a row, Braća Radić High School is participating in the lighting of Advent candles. Namely, it was the students, together with their teachers, who made the Advent wreath that adorns the garden of Kaštel Novi. In addition, their hardworking hands made numerous tabletop Advent wreaths and Christmas cakes that they sell every Saturday, all with the aim of raising funds for the increasingly expensive graduation party. This was confirmed by teacher Petra Bašić:
– It's already becoming a tradition, we've been here for the third year in a row. It started as a humanitarian action two years ago, and last year we continued it to promote the school, but also to raise additional funds for the graduation party, because it gets more expensive every year. That way we made it easier for both parents and students. This year we're also continuing the collection, we have various cakes and wreaths, all made by our colleagues and students. All the money raised goes to the graduation party.
A table with mulled wine and sweets was also set up in the garden, where those gathered lingered and socialized after lighting the candle, in the warmth of Advent joy.
By lighting the fourth Advent candle, a message of love is sent. Christmas is upon us – a holiday that reminds us of the coming of Christ, of the love that is given and the light that transcends darkness, inviting us to recognize it, accept it and bring it to one another.
Photo: Ivana Topic
