Lætare Sunday

Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.
Be joyful, all who were in mourning;
exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.

Today is the fourth Sunday of Lent – Lætare Sunday, so called for the first word of today’s entrance antiphon, lætare, rejoice. Deep in our long Lent comes a spark of rejoicing before we head deeper into the phase of Lent traditionally known as Passiontide. To help celebrate this burst of joy, this is one of only two days of the year where rose coloured vestments are permitted¹.

This is also the anniversary of the day Francine and I first walked into Holy Rosary church.

The antiphons for this day are beautiful, especially the Introit. Years ago, I used this piece of music as my constant example in an essay on the antiphons, and why you might be being cheated.

Go read the essay, then come back and listen and enjoy! Now in both Latin and English:

1. The other is Gaudete Sunday in Advent, for very much the same reason. Prior to 1955., there used to be a third day of rose, the Octave Day of the Holy Innocents.