Next Saturday, Dec 13th @ 6:30am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, we will be having a Rorate Mass (Ordinary Form, English).
The “Rorate” Mass is an ancient Advent tradition that takes its name from the first word of the Introit: Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant iustum, “Drop down dew, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness.”
The Rorate Mass is lit only by candlelight. Because it is a votive Mass in Our Lady's honour, Marian vestments are worn instead of Advent violet. In the dimly lit setting, priests and faithful prepare to honour the Light of the world, who is soon to be born, and offer praise to God for the gift of Our Lady. As the Mass proceeds and sunrise approaches, the Church becomes progressively brighter, illumined by the sun as our Faith is illumined by Christ.
Holy Mother Church has given us the tradition of the Rorate Mass, on a Saturday of Our Lady, in the midst of Advent as an opportunity to contemplate the mystery of darkness and light. Outside, all the world lies in darkness while, inside, the candlelight leaps into the shadows and overpowers them.
We may feel like the darkness of sin and indifference, like the darkness of the troubles that plague our world, our nation, and our Church, threaten to overwhelm and destroy the Light of Christ.