December 16, 2014

Members of the public look at thousands of floral tributes placed Dec. 16 near the Sydney cafe where hostages were held for more than 16 hours. An Irish priest based in Sydney said he was amazed at how many people turned to prayer during the deadly siege. (CNS photo/David Gray, Reuters)

"O Breath of God, breathe your energy and love into us and upon our earth. Amidst the hustle and bustle of this season, we find that we need to take some deep breaths. Breathe in the air we so often take for granted. Breathe out all that is selfish, fearful and negative. Breathe in the generosity and affirmation that is expressed in so many ways. Breathe out hatred, lies and hopelessness. Breathe in rhythm with all of creation as the earth lays fallow and quiet. Breathe in the mystery of God becoming human. Is that not breathtaking?"

- Sr. Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, OSB

During Advent 2013, NCRonline.org invited the sisters of the Monastery of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kan., to contribute O Antiphons; Global Sisters Report is sharing some of them this year in Visual Life. You can read the full series as it is republished this month here.