Editor’s Note: Below is a speech delivered by Our Lady of Walsingham Academy senior Meg Ambuul at the school’s annual gala on Nov. 11 at Creekside Event Center. Ambuul is a senior.

I can say with some authority that attending Our Lady of Walsingham Academy is a lot of work. A few years ago, that would have been a complaint. But now, as I pursue the studies of my senior year, I’m actually grateful. 

Hemos entrado en un nuevo año litúrgico y también en el tiempo de Adviento.  En el ajetreo y las distracciones de los preparativos para la Navidad y todas las celebraciones navideñas, puede ser muy fácil que perdamos de vista la importancia del tiempo de Adviento y la preparación espiritual a la que la Iglesia nos llama antes de Navidad.    

We have entered into a new liturgical year and also into the season of Advent. In the busyness and distractions of getting ready for Christmas and all of the holiday celebrations, it can become very easy for us to lose sight of the importance of the Advent season and the spiritual preparation that the Church is calling us to before Christmas.   

Holy Days of Obligation in the coming weeks: 
• The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, Dec. 9.
• Christmas Day on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
•The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1, 2025.

A listing of parishes in the diocese that will hold Masses and other events to commemorate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.