The Rorate Mass is a special votive mass for Our Lady during Advent, traditionally celebrated by candlelight in the early morning. As the Mass ends the sky is just starting to glow with the new day and we journey from darkness to light and the coming of the Word Made Flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mother is upon us.
I usually keep watch at home with littles but this year my husband was ill so I was able to attend this solemn Mass for our Lady.
My girls were ready at 2am and we departed at 4:20am.
The beauty and austerity of the morning can not be put into words. The senses are drawn in more than ever before.
Our Pastor instructs us about the darkness that we are surrounded with in the Church, the world, and that which is placed before us for this Holy Mass. We are reminded to trust in the maternal love of Our Lady for all our needs as we prepare for Holy Mass.
Holy Mass begins and all the worries fade. The darkness is almost unnoticeable as all the senses are drawn into the true light. It’s all a beautiful preparation for the Christchild.
There is no exercise which is more pleasing to God, or more meritorious, or which has greater influence in infusing solid piety into the soul, than the assisting at the holy sacrifice of the Mass. If this be true at all the various seasons of the Christian year, it is so, in a very special manner, during the holy time of Advent. The faithful, therefore, should make every effort in order to enjoy this precious blessing, even on those days when they are not obliged to it by the precept of the Church. ~Dom Gueranger
Divine Infant King Jesus, come down into our hearts!
“Gabriel’s Message,” is the song played in the video of the Rorate Mass from parish in 2012 . It is a traditional Basque Advent carol sung by the Choir and Choristers of St. Stephen the First Martyr Parish. My eldest daughter was honored to be a chorister member for the production. The entire album, “The Little Road to Bethlehem” can be purchased from Amazon as a MP3 download. It is a wonderful addition for any family desiring to go deeper into the Advent season.
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