Are you wondering what Rorate Masses are and when we celebrate them? Find out what you need to know about this special service.
What are Rorate Masses?
It is a Mass that is one of the most distinctive Advent traditions in the Catholic Church. The priest usually celebrates Rorate Masses at sunrise. This Mass is votive in nature. This means that it does not follow the liturgical form for a given day, but rather the form assigned to special occasions or the devotions of the faithful. It’s worth noting that Rorate Masses are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Rorate Mass is a service that is particularly popular in our country. The name comes from the hymn “Rorate caeli desuper,” meaning “Let the heavens pour down dew.” It is sung at the beginning of the service. It is worth noting that Rorate Masses differ in some respects from a traditional Mass. They usually last about 30 minutes and begin in the dark. However, the interior of the church is illuminated by distinctive lanterns, which we’ll discuss later. Rorate Masses are rooted in a centuries-old tradition, and the faithful continue to attend them eagerly.
Advent and Rorate Masses
Rorate Masses are inextricably linked to Advent. This is the period leading up to Christmas. Church leaders encourage reflection, contemplation, and reconciliation during this time. In this way, the faithful prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. At the same time, Advent is associated with the joy of the approaching holidays. It is not a time of fasting and sacrifice, unlike the period before Easter.
The History of Rorate Masses
The tradition of Rorate Masses is very rich and dates back to the early Middle Ages or Christian antiquity. At that time, the Feast of the Annunciation was celebrated on December 18, one week before Christmas (today the feast falls on March 25—nine months before the Nativity). In the past, Masses dedicated to the Mother of God began to be celebrated during the last week of Advent. But when are Rorate Masses held today? Well, they take place throughout the entire Advent season.
It is worth noting that in the mid-16th century, Sigismund I the Old received the privilege of celebrating Rorate Masses in the chapel he had founded at Wawel. The services could be held throughout the year, with the exception of Good Friday.
Permission to celebrate Rorate Masses was granted by the Vatican. Over the years, various dioceses in Poland were granted different privileges. However, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński standardized this practice in 1957 and 1961. Since the Second Vatican Council, these services may be held only on weekdays.
When are Rorate Masses held in church?
You already know that these services are associated with Advent and that it is during this season that the faithful gather in churches. So, when are Rorate Masses held, and how long do they last? Well, the early morning Masses begin at the start of Advent. Keep in mind, however, that this day falls on a Sunday. The first Rorate Mass, on the other hand, will take place on the Monday following the Sunday that marks the beginning of Advent.
Let’s take a look at the calendar—when are the Rorate Masses in 2022? Advent begins on November 27. The first Rorate Mass, however, is on November 28. Priests will celebrate Rorate Masses through December 24.
When and at what time are the Rorate Masses?
Tradition dictates that Rorate Masses be celebrated early in the morning. However, this isn’t always the case. Many churches schedule Masses for 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. However, over the years, more and more parishes have decided to hold services in the afternoon (e.g., at 6:00 p.m.). This may be due to low attendance at dawn. There is no doubt that more parishioners attend church later in the day.
Where does the tradition of celebrating Rorate Masses at dawn come from? Well, in the Christian tradition, Advent is a time of waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ. Therefore, attending the early morning Mass symbolizes a vigil. To find out when Rorate Masses are held at a particular church, it’s best to check the pastoral announcements. In addition, many parishes post this information on their websites.
The Roman Missal does not specify the time for celebrating a Rorate Mass. This means it can be celebrated at various times of the day. Therefore, much depends on the priest’s decision and, in fact, on the attendance of the faithful at a given time of day. In the past, Rorate Masses were often celebrated before dawn, which carried important symbolism. The rising sun symbolized Christ. The faithful emphasized that Jesus finds His people keeping vigil in prayer.
Despite the passage of time, the faithful still eagerly gather for Rorate Masses, and the tradition is passed down from generation to generation. Moreover, the form of the rites has changed very little.
Customs Associated with Rorate Masses
You already know when Rorate Masses are held and what this service entails. However, it’s worth remembering that these Masses are accompanied by many customs that distinguish Advent Masses from Sunday Masses. The unique symbolism lends the rituals a special atmosphere. Find out which customs are inextricably linked to Rorate Masses and are still observed in churches today.
Lanterns for Rorate Masses
The characteristic Rorate lantern is a lantern that the faithful bring to the service. Children have come to particularly love this tradition and often make their own Rorate lanterns. In the past, these lanterns were used to light the way to church.
Very often, the lantern is square in shape, and its sides feature stained-glass windows depicting Christian symbols. Sometimes flashlights or small battery-powered lights are also used. In addition, a wax candle is lit at the altar; it is decorated with a blue ribbon and symbolizes the Mother of God.
It’s worth remembering the biblical symbolism of the lantern. It refers to the parable of the wise virgins who awaited the coming of Jesus. Today, Rorate candles are lit during the first part of Mass, when the lights are turned off. Therefore, when asking, “What are Rorate Masses?” one should pay particular attention to the verses found in the Holy Scriptures.
The Rorate Hymn
The song “Let the Dew Fall from Heaven,” mentioned earlier, is always associated with Advent. Singing it symbolizes the anticipation of Jesus Christ’s coming and sets a solemn tone for the service. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact date of its origin, but it has certainly accompanied the faithful for centuries. Some records indicate that the hymn originated in France and was used there as an Advent prayer.
Note that the words of the refrain—“Let the heavens pour down dew, and let the clouds pour out the Righteous One”—serve as the central theme of the service. For the faithful, this is an expression of their longing for Jesus and a foretaste of Christmas. The verses, on the other hand, consist of prayers drawn from the prophecies of Isaiah. At the same time, they speak of Israel’s sin, the tragedy of its punishment, and the promise of the people’s deliverance.
Rorate Masses – Summary
You now know when Rorate Masses take place—what they are and at what time they are most often celebrated. It’s worth noting that these services have a centuries-old tradition and have changed very little over the years. Although the services used to be held exclusively in the morning, today many priests choose to celebrate them in the afternoon.
Both Rorate Masses and the traditions associated with them have survived to this day and continue to draw the faithful to churches. Worshipers eagerly bring lanterns and sing the distinctive hymn that has accompanied these services for many years. Remember that this Mass takes place during Advent—from Monday through Saturday.
