Archbishop’s Prayer Intention for December: That the Holy Spirit May Overshadow the Faithful This Advent

(Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic)

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Luke 1:35

As we begin Advent, the Church once again enters a season filled with quiet expectation and profound mystery. We contemplate Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem, even as we look ahead to his glorious return.

Yet before the manger and the angels, before the shepherds and the star, there was a moment hidden from the world: the overshadowing of Mary by the Holy Spirit. In that sacred instant, the eternal Son took flesh. The Word became a child in the womb. And salvation began with a simple "yes."

The angel’s words to Mary reveal how God works: quietly, tenderly, powerfully. The same Spirit who overshadowed her desires to overshadow us — to shape our thoughts, desires and actions so that we reflect Jesus more clearly in a world longing for light.

More than a mere countdown to Christmas, Advent is a time of interior preparation, an invitation to allow God to enter the hidden places of our hearts.

In every age, in every Advent, the Church depends on the Spirit’s guidance. But in our time, marked by confusion, spiritual weariness and divided attention, we need the Spirit’s overshadowing more than ever. Only the Spirit can awaken a desire for holiness, strengthen families in faith, rekindle hope in discouraged hearts and conform us to the heart of Christ.

Mary shows us the posture Advent requires: openness, humility and trust. Her “yes” allowed God to dwell among us. Our own “yes,” sustained by the Spirit, allows Christ to shine in the world through us.

This Advent, and throughout the month of December, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila invites the faithful to pray with him that the Holy Spirit may overshadow all the faithful throughout the world to conform our hearts and minds to Jesus'.

As we journey toward Christmas, may the Spirit overshadow us anew, strengthen our faith, enliven our hope and conform our hearts to Jesus, just as the Archbishop prays.

Come, Holy Spirit. Overshadow your people this Advent and make us like your Son.