The end of the liturgical year, the anything-but-quiet waiting weeks of Advent filled with the tug between the contemplative and commercial, the awesome birth of Christ in hearts anew on Christmas night, the first day of the brand new year and the World Day of Peace.

Residential invasions like Una Sola Fuerza are not recognized by their respective governments. As a consequence, Una Sola Fuerza lacks basic municipal services.

Mariana Srs. Fanny Bolaños and Gladys Robles live and work in Una Sola Fuerza, a so-called invasion community outside Guayaquil, Ecuador. Within the impoverished, densely populated area, they address low incomes, malnutrition and a lack of family structure and support.

"Each child is a mystery. Our children are embroidered with threads of loneliness and thirst for love, fear and hope, joy and rage. Only time and endless dedication can heal their inner wounds. Then they will able to look back and forward with real love and understanding."

What is an immigrant to do now that Donald Trump has been elected? While well-meaning people encourage us to think positively or wait it out, many among us don't have that luxury. The new administration is poised to directly and significantly alter the lives of certain groups of people. My fellow Guatemalan parishioners are in that group, and they're deeply troubled.

"We are sisters from nearly every nation of the world who share a common life as women vowed to live out the Gospel in the service of others. We are one global community of commitment."

From A Nun's Life podcasts - Advent is about new life and about recognizing that Christ is among us. In this Random Nun Clip, a listener asks how we're celebrating Advent — and if that includes any Advent parties!

See for Yourself - It's a good day when America reserves a day to be thankful. Thanks to countless persons who continue to make our nation a place of freedom, opportunity, and blessing.

Notes from the Field - Before my year of service in Ethiopia, I had not known of the Salesian family, its two well-known saints John Bosco and Mary Mazzarello or of its network of brothers, sisters, priests and supporters across the world.

"As the roses touch our hearts with beauty they inspire us to give praise to God."