Society is changing. Women have leadership roles in government and business, but not in the Church. St. Francis had no rule. He left us his powerful example. The outdoor Advent markets, first held in Vienna in the 13th century, are not commercial intrusions on a religious holy season but a genuine support to its celebration.
Children also participate in activities such as making presents or baking cookies.
Vendors have agreed not to sell toy weapons. Advent markets now thrive throughout Austria. We arrived in Salzburg on December 23 in time to visit its Advent market. It was dark at 5 p.m., but bright lights enlivened the snowy market streets. Dozens of outdoor stalls sold an amazing variety of goods ranging from fur-lined boots to clocks.