Monday, December 15, 2008

Gaudete Sunday - Explained

Gaudete Sunday (pronounced /ɡaʊˈdɛteɪ/) is the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western churches, both the Roman Catholic Church and liturgical Protestant churches. It can fall on any date from 11 December to 17 December.

The Latin Gaudete is translated as Rejoice, the first word of the introit of this day's Mass: Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice; let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.

On Gaudete Sunday rose-coloured vestments may be worn instead of violet, which is prescribed for every day in the season of Advent.

In churches which have an Advent wreath, the rose coloured candle is lit in addition to two of the violet coloured candles, which represent the first two Sundays of Advent.

During the otherwise penitential season of Advent, the readings on the third Sunday emphasize the joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming.
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(Source: WKP)