LAETARE SUNDAY | Today, the faithful will witness one of the rarest liturgical colors in the Church. Priests wear rose-colored vestments as we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Lent, often known as Laetare Sunday.
While the sight of rose at the altar is a beautiful change, you may have wondered about the history or meaning behind it. To help deepen our understanding of this unique tradition, let us explore some trivia and insights you might find interesting.
Laetare Sunday marks the approximate halfway point of Lent, functioning as a “breather” or “refreshment” during the 40-day fast.
It is one of the only two days in the liturgical year (the other being Gaudete Sunday in Advent) when priests are permitted to wear rose-colored (not pink) vestments instead of the penitential purple.
Laetare is Latin for “rejoice” or “be joyful.” It is taken from the first words of the Entrance Antiphon (Introit) for the Mass: “Laetare Jerusalem” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem.”
Historically, the Church had celebrated this day by handing out blessed golden roses to Catholic monarchs around the world, hence the name, Dominica de Rosa.
While flowers and instrumental music (like the organ) are generally forbidden or restricted during Lent, they are permitted to Laetare Sunday to highlight the joyful tone.