Sunday, December 14, 2008

Gaudete Sunday - Rejoice!

Fr. Perrone is seen elevating the Chalice at the 9:30am Gaudete Sunday Mass (Latin Novus Ordo) in 2006. It was prior to Summorum Pontificum when I was last able to capture this particular chasuble on Gaudete Sunday.



The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. The name is taken from the first word of the Introit - Gaudete (Rejoice):

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all men: for the Lord is near. Have no anxiety, but in everything, by prayer let your petitions be made known to God. (Philippians 4: 4, 5)Psalm ~ You have favored, O Lord, Your land; You have restored the wellbeing of Jacob. (Psalm 84:2)


The online Catholic Encyclopedia offers some history on Gaudete Sunday.

Fr. Z examines the Collect for Gaudete Sunday (2002 MR). Here is an excerpt (click the link to read the entire post):

Now for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also nicknamed Gaudete.... the plural imperative of gaudeo, “Rejoice!”. Today, there is a relaxation of the penitential aspect of Advent. In the first week of Advent we begged God for the grace of the proper approach and will for our preparation. In the second week, we ask God for help and protection in facing the obstacles the world raises against us. This Sunday we have a glimpse of the joy that is coming in our rose colored (rosacea) vestments, some use of the organ, flowers. Christmas is near at hand.







Visit EWTN's page for Advent Reflections


Fr. Edward McNamara answers a readers question about Rose Vestments. Was the practice abandoned? Should priests wear Rose? Read his response to see what the General Instruction of the Roman Missal says, and to read his interpretation.



Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!