Laetare Sunday in Lent

  
    Why is today, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, called “Laetare” Sunday?

   The name comes from the first words of the Entrance Antiphon for Mass, “Laetare Jerusalem” — “Rejoice, O Jerusalem”. The fourth Sunday marks the half-way point of the Lenten season, even though the Thursday before Laetare Sunday is the actual middle day of Lent.
   Signs of joy are allowed on this day, expressing our belief in the hope of the Resurrection and to inspire us as we continue our Lenten commitments to Prayer, Fasting and almsgiving.
   Symbolizing this joy, Rose-colored Mass vestments may be worn instead of purple, to indicate the contrast between Laetare and the other Sundays of Lent. Sometimes these can look more “pink” than “rose” but whatever the hue, they are called “rose”. According to both the Roman Missal and the Ordinariate Missal the Altar may be decorated with flowers this Sunday only in Lent. (We use, well, roses on this day!)
   The tradition of using the color rose is thought to come from the tradition of the Golden Rose; at one time popes sent golden roses to Catholic heads of state in Europe on this Sunday. The Golden Rose is one of the highest honors conferred by the pope to a Catholic Emperor, King or Ruler, State or City, Basilica or Sanctuary. It is for the recognition of some outstanding service to the Church. Since the pontificate of Paul VI, Churches have received Golden Roses. Benedict XVI and Pope Francis gave roses to Marian shrines. The Golden Rose was in the Sacristy of the Sistine Chapel until 1999 when it came under the jurisdiction of the Vatican Museums. Now it is in the collection of the Decorative Art Museum.
   The Fourth Sunday of Lent can also be observed as “Mothering Sunday”, in reference to Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, where the faithful are called “sons and daughters of God”. Families visited the church where they were baptized, or made offerings to the Cathedral, or “Mother-Church”, on this Sunday.
How can we observe Laetare Sunday in our home?             
· Surprise someone with a rose, or have roses on the dinner table. 
· Plant a rose bush at home or for a friend.
· Share stories of where family members were baptized; take a drive to “your mother       church”.
· Visit a cathedral - in Fort Worth, in Dallas, or even (for us) in Houston!

Faithfully, Your Friend and Pastor,

Fr. Christopher C. Stainbrook, KHS