Rorate Latin Mass

The Rorate Caeli Mass is a traditional Advent devotion wherein the Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Advent is offered just before dawn. The interplay of light and darkness of this stunningly beautiful Mass speak to the meaning of Advent and the coming of Jesus, the Light of the world.

The Mass takes its title, Rorate Caeli, from the first words of the Introit, which are from Isaiah 45:8:

“Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum, aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem.”

“Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Saviour.”

The Rorate Mass is lit only by candlelight. White vestments are worn instead of Advent violet in honor of the Virgin Mother. In the dimly lit setting, priests and faithful prepare to honor the light of the world, who is soon to be born, and offer praise to God for the gift of Our Lady’s generous, “Yes”. As the Mass proceeds and sunrise approaches, the Church becomes progressively brighter, just as our hope for the coming of our savior increases with the dawn of each day of Advent.

The readings and prayers of the Mass recall the prophecy of the Virgin who would bear a Son called Emmanuel. The liturgy then invites the faithful to open the gates of their hearts to the coming Christ, even as Mary opened her body to be the place of His incarnation.

Join us for this Advent Mass, which is one of the most beautiful liturgical offerings of the Church year.

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