Feast of the Dedication of the Archbasilica Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in Lateran, Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World. It was consecrated 1699 years ago by Pope Sylvester I.

After 95 years, St. Martin's Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia has officially closed. The historic seminary property, including the chapel, was sold to a hospital.

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul

As Advent prepares us for the celebration of the first coming of Christ at Christmas, the season also focuses on the two other comings. As St. Bernard put it, "In the first coming, He comes in the flesh and in weakness; in the second, He comes in spirit and in power; in the third, He comes in glory and in majesty." Rather than focusing on the first coming, which has already occurred, or the second coming, which we are living through, the Church utilizes the first Sunday of the liturgical year to awaken us from the sleep of sin so that we might prepare for dreaded day of judgment during the final coming.

"Behold, I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee."

Today marks the beginning of the "O Antiphons," which are sung before the Magnificat at Vespers from now until Christmas Eve. Each Antiphon addresses Our Lord using distinct titles derived from the prophecies of Isaias and Micheas. These titles, when their initial letters are read in reverse, form an acrostic for the Latin phrase "Ero Cras," which translates to "Tomorrow I come."

"O Root of Jesse, that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: come, to deliver us, and tarry not."

"O Key of David, and scepter of the house of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: come, and lead forth the captive who sits in the shadows from his prison."

O dawn of the east, brightness of light eternal, and sun of justice: come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Today marks the 807th anniversary of the Order of Preachers

O King of the gentiles and their desired One, the cornerstone that makes both one: come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth.