Sunday 18 March 2007

Laetare Jerusalem et conventum facite!

The opening word of the introit at Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Lent gives this day its joyful name, 'Laetare Sunday'. The sombre purple of Lent is, for today, lightened to rose (or 'pink'), and our strict Lenten observances are relaxed for a day. The organ is played after its Lenten silence, and some clergy even allow themselves a glass of wine!

As ever, the Church shows her great wisdom and understanding of our frailty, as she revivies our flagging spirits with this small anticipation of Easter. The Cathedral boasts fine sets of rose chasubles, dalmatics and copes: above, Fr Michael Archer awaits the offertory procession at 12.00 Mass.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Surely Sundays aren't part of the Lenten fast anyway?

John the organist said...

Please see http://revprs.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Until I saw this picture, I did not realize that the choir is actually "elevated" in a loft type structure.

Anonymous said...

Very pink, very pink indeed that rose.

Anonymous said...

Why don't we see the Roman style vestments so often at the Cathedral nowadays? At one time they were de rigeur, but in recent years we generally have (at least when I'm there) the modern cover-all types. Not criticising, just a personal taste. I kind of relate the Cathedral to the Roman style vesture.

Mark Langham said...

Glad to say Roman Vestments are worn frequently at the Cathedral.