LAETARE SUNDAY TRADITIONS.
How is your Lenten journey
progressing?
Are you feeling weary and ready for a
little break?
In Lent, we have the tradition to have
a 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.
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.
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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