Midway through the season of Lent, we pause to celebrate Laetare Sunday.
Celebrate? During a season of penance?
Absolutely.
What better way to encourage the members of our Church to press on, than to pause and look forward to the celebration of Easter? Laetare Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent, where you’ll notice your priest and deacons in rose vestments.
Why rose? In ancient times, the color was a sign of great status and wealth, thus reminding us of the royal and priestly status of Jesus.
In Europe, it is also called Mothering Sunday – with parishioners paying homage to their natural mothers, Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Mother Church.The Pope blesses a Golden Rose, and often confers it upon churches, shrines, cities or distinguished people. You may also hear the day referred to as Sunday of the Five Loaves, a reference to the traditional Gospel reading.
Be sure and leave a comment, and let me know how your Lent is progressing!
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