Our Lady of Lourdes

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Laetare Sunday is so designated because Laetare is the first word of the Introit or Entrance Antiphon of the Mass: Laetare Jerusalem;  Rejoice Jerusalem, and all who love her.  On Laetare Sunday, the Church expresses hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten fasts and penances.  Call it pink — or, more fittingly, rose — this change in color indicates a glimpse of the joy that awaits us at Easter, just before we enter into the somber days of Passiontide.
The joy of Easter being around the corner is symbolized in a few other interesting liturgical possibilities.  During Lent, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal forbids flowers adorning the altar.  But on Laetare Sunday (as well as solemnities and feasts within the season), there’s a temporary halt to these penitential observations!
Laetare Sunday is the Church’s way of giving us a “shot in the arm” as we approach the darkness and horror of the days through Good Friday and Holy Saturday.  It’s an opportunity to savor and keep in the back of our minds what awaits us on Easter Sunday — the reality that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and that our hearts will always be filled with joy!
Being aware of traditions and customs assists us in celebrating the beauty of our faith.  As you can see, there is much associated with even a nondescript day like the Fourth Sunday of Lent — not to mention the rest of the season, or the 50 days of Easter and beyond. Take advantage of the richness of our Catholic traditions.