Rorate Mass • December 16, 2023

Rorate Mass

Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 AM         
Doughnut breakfast/social to follow at Loyola Hall

The Rorate Mass is a particular votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated during Advent. The atmosphere of this Mass is different: it is meant to specifically express the expectant and prayerful waiting of Advent in a visual and experiential way. It is celebrated before first light and is entirely candle-lit (accounting for our early start time). The Mass gets its name from its entrance antiphon, which begins with the words “Rorate Caeli”, meaning “drop down, you heavens.” The antiphon in full is taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah: “Drop down, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the just one.” This quote encapsulates the prophetic expectation of the Messiah, fulfilled at the coming of Christ through Mary.

This is an opportunity to enter the Mass in (literally) a different light and a tradition that can help give shape to Advent, which, even within the Church, has gotten somewhat lost in the rush to celebrate Christmas.

In short, there’s no better use of your Saturday morning—please join us for this Advent Mass!

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