Laetare Sunday and Mothering Sunday
How is your Lenten journey
progressing?
Are you feeling weary and ready for a
little break?
LAETARE SUNDAY
In Lent, we have the tradition to
have mid-Lent break, (the half way point
of Lent), which is known as 'Laetare' Sunday derived from the Latin
'to rejoice'. Liturgically we break away from the Lenten penitential spirit of
the purple vestments to the wearing of rose-coloured vestments by the
priest and/or deacon. These rose-coloured vestments are only worn twice a
year, so from a practical perspective, some parishes do not have a set, but use
lighter purple vestments.
LET UP SUNDAY
The fourth Sunday of Lent is also
known as 'let up Sunday' because we 'let up' on our Lenten penance. It can be a
timely reminder for those of us who may have struggled through Lent so
far. I remember thinking during one of my disastrous Lents that we
had reached the mid-point, and I had not got started. It is an excellent
time to review how our Lenten journey and tweak it accordingly. Never too
late to start and/or start again.
MOTHERING SUNDAY
It is also known as 'Mothering
Sunday', coming from the ancient Roman tradition, when a festival of
motherhood and fertility was held at this time. It was linked to the fact that
the whole earth seemed to be fertile at this time. (Spring). This
festival was also known 'Matronalia,' and was celebrated by making
cakes out of grains of cereal or pounded almonds. Simmel cake and the
creamy egg custard pudding were traditional menu items.
The Church took over these festivals
and gave them new meaning by highlighting the dignity of women and motherhood
through the image of Mary. Through Mary, the dignity and status of
Christian mothers was 'iced on the Catholic menu'.
Another important tradition of
the Mothering Sunday is to to honour 'Mother
Church'. We can do this simply by visiting the cathedral (Mother
Church of the diocese) on this day (or if not, sometime during this week). By
doing this, we can gain a greater understanding of the great reality of the
Church as our Mother and Bride of Christ.
Let us rejoice as we universally
celebrate 'Laetare' Sunday.
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