This Advent season, we’re offering weekly reflections prepared by leading lights of the Boston College community. Each Sunday, we’ll share the reflection of a student or alumnus, contemplating the mysteries of the season and the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Want to receive spiritual reflections during the Lenten and Advent seasons?
Christmas Reflection
“As we snuggle up in our favorite sweaters, surrounded by loved ones and ready to celebrate Christ’s birth, let us remember the very message of Christmas day: rejoice in the knowledge that we are eternally and unconditionally loved by God.”
Sacha Hauc ’18
Sacha Hauc graduated from Boston College with a degree in biology and philosophy. He then completed his master’s degree in public health at the Yale School of Public Health and is currently finishing his medical degree at the Yale School of Medicine. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Sacha’s Latino roots have strongly impacted his desire to increase access to reconstructive surgical procedures for indigenous Amazonian tribes.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
“Recognizing that we aren’t the sole authors of our stories emphasizes our deep need for God’s grace. Making peace with mystery can encourage us to find meaning without completely understanding everything.”
Clara Cahill Farella ’20, MEd’22
Clara Cahill Farella graduated from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development in 2020, majoring in applied psychology and human development and minoring in sociology and leadership in higher education. Clara received a master’s degree in higher education in 2022 and now works at Northeastern University in the Office of Prevention and Education, primarily preventing and responding to campus sexual violence. Clara remains involved with the Kairos program at BC.
Third Sunday of Advent
“This week reminds us there is something and Someone new, Who is coming to heal the wounds nothing else can heal and deliver the justice no one else is able to deliver.”
Hagop Toghramadjian ’17
Hagop Toghramadjian graduated from BC with a major in political science and a minor in Arabic. He spent a year as a Fulbright researcher in Armenia and then received graduate degrees in law and urban planning from Harvard. He works as an attorney and project director for a Boston-based affordable housing developer and serves as a deacon and parish council member at St. James Armenian Church in Watertown. He and his wife Natasha ’17 are expecting their first child in January.
Second Sunday of Advent
“In inviting us to prepare the way of the Lord, God isn’t asking us to overwhelm ourselves with things to do. Instead, [He] invites us to recognize and receive the gifts He already wants to give to us.”
Marian Concepcion ’19, MA/MSW ’24
Marian Concepcion graduated from Boston College with a B.S. in management, concentrations in marketing and information systems, and a double major in theology. Upon graduation, she worked in the Philippines for Shopee, an international ecommerce platform. After much discernment, Marian returned to Boston College to pursue a dual masters in social work and theology and ministry. Marian is grateful for her Jesuit education and hopes to work at the intersection of faith and social justice.
First Sunday of Advent
“The Gospel calls us to prepare our lives for the coming of Christ—to be the people we ought to be.”
Matt Davis ’20, MA/MSW ‘25
Matt Davis graduated from Boston College with a degree in political science and was an active member in the Liturgy Arts Group, Jenks Leadership Program, and Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics. After graduating, Matt lived and served for two years in Ireland before returning to BC for a dual master’s program in theology and ministry and social work. Matt also works with the Center for Student Wellness and the Ever to Excel Program, and hopes to continue studying and working to bridge the gap between faith and mental health.
Boston College C21 Advent Calendar
Celebrate the season of Advent with the Church in the 21st Century Center's 2023 Advent Calendar. A different resource will be unlocked each day of the season, so bookmark the page and visit daily.
Pray It Forward
During Advent, the Church in the 21st Century Center is launching an opportunity for BC Alumni, family, and friends to pray together each week. Join us on Zoom, Wednesdays at 4–4:15 p.m. (EST).