Gaudete! Rejoice!

In the Advent Wreath this coming Sunday, Advent 3, the pink candle will be lit. 

There is popular ignorance that it is “Mary Sunday” and that the pink candle is for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Further, there is wicked humor that the pink candle is because, in spite of what the angel Gavriel said, Mary was still hoping for a girl. No. 

It is not Mary Sunday and the pink candle is not for Mary, it comes from Roman Catholic tradition. The pink candle is because it is Gaudete Sunday. Latin for “Rejoice” in contrast to the penitential purple. Gaudete is the first word of the introit for Advent 3. Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete, etc. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. ...” 

The Introit is the entry psalm or Bible verse the clergy chant or say as they enter the church and move to the Altar to begin the Mass. 

The Roman Catholic Church permits rose pink vestments instead of purple vestments to be worn on Gaudete Sunday, and the tone of Advent (which began as a forty day penitential season of fasting like Lent) to be eased for the day, with readings, hymns, and tone of the liturgy joyfully anticipating the Lord’s coming. The day is also called Rose Sunday and Rejoice Sunday. Gaudete Sunday corresponds to Laetare Sunday during Lent, which also is Rose Sunday. The pink candle is because it is Gaudete, Rejoice, Rose Sunday! It has nothing to do with Mary.

Speaking of Rejoice, last evening, friends and members of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, PC enjoyed a wonderful holiday meal, an extravagant abundance of fellowship, covered dishes and turkey; then went into the church for the loveliest service of Lessons and Carols imaginable. The music was incomparable and every lesson well read. Condolences to all who missed it!

TW+