A Special Candlelit Advent Celebration
in Honor of the Blessed Mother
Rorate Mass 7 am, Dec. 13 in MorgantownAn Advent tradition that is ancient in origin is surprisingly beginning to resurface in devotion in these modern years. Have you ever heard of a Rorate Mass (or “Rorate Caeli Mass”)? Just imagine – it’s the cold, frosty hours before dawn. Even though the sun won’t be up for some time, you roll out of bed and dress in church-going clothes before making the drive to the parish. The church looks totally dark, but when you walk in, many tiny, ardent flames are blazing on the altar and in the pews. The warm sparks throw hushed, rosy hues against the shadowed walls. Mass begins, still in the semi-dark of candlelight. The choir begins chanting, “Drop down, you heavens, dew from above…” The readings speak of a Savior who will be born of a Virgin. Hot wax drips down the candles. As the Mass progresses, dawn creeps up to the stained-glass windows. The sunlight has begun to stream through the windows. The little points of flame are pale in the morning light…This is a taste of the Rorate Mass—a special candlelit Mass celebrated in honor of the Blessed Mother on an Advent Saturday (this year on Dec. 13th at 7am at St. John University Parish). The Rorate tradition began around the 13th century during a surge of devotion to Mary in the life of the Church. Named for the first word of its entrance antiphon in Latin, the Mass is prayed as morning dawns, symbolizing the coming of the Christ Child’s light at Christmas. By the end of the Mass, the church is lit with the natural sunlight, symbolizing Christ being born from the Virgin’s womb. It’ll be the fifth year St. John’s is doing one. They will have a light breakfast reception after Mass in the Newman center next door.
