Lætare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum lætitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestræ. (Psalm) Lætatus sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. Gloria Patri.(1)
A bouquet of golden roses
The fourth and middle Sunday of Lent is called Lætare Sunday, after the incipit of the Mass Introit (entrance antiphon), Lætare Jerusalem, which in Latin means “Rejoice, O Jerusalem.” A joyful day, it is meant to console the faithful and encourage us to persevere to the end of our austere Lenten journey. Instead of the penitential violet, the sacred ministers wear rose-colored vestments, music is played at Mass, and flowers adorn the altar for the day. Also called Rose Sunday, after the customary blessing of the Golden Roses by the Pope, the resplendent bouquets were traditionally bestowed upon Catholic sovereigns or sacred institutions as a sign of the Holy Father's favor. It is said the roses allude to Our Lord's shining majesty.
In celebration, I’m posting the Collect for the Mass. The photo of the golden roses was taken at the Our Lady of the Snow Society clubhouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. To be clear, this bouquet was not a gift from the Pope, but since it is held by the statue of the Blessed Mother, I thought it would make a nice example of the symbolism of Christ's splendor.
Collect Prayer(1) Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. (Psalm) I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. Glory be to the Father.
O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
