What is Laetare Sunday and its significance during Lent?

The Catholic Church is currently observing the season of Lent, a period when the faithful renew their faith and prepare for the resurrection of Jesus Christ through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.

On Sunday, Catholics marked the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday.

According to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, laetare is a Latin word meaning “rejoice” or “be joyful.”

The name comes from the opening words of the entrance antiphon (introit) for the Eucharistic celebration: “Laetare Jerusalem,” which translates to “Rejoice, O Jerusalem.”

Historically, the Church also marked the day by giving blessed golden roses to Catholic monarchs around the world, which led to the name Dominica de Rosa, or “Rose Sunday.”

Laetare Sunday marks the approximate halfway point of the Lenten season and serves as a brief moment of joy or “refreshment” during the 40-day period of fasting and penance.

During this day, instrumental music and flowers may be used in liturgical celebrations to highlight the joyful tone—unlike during the rest of Lent, when they are typically limited.

It is also one of only two occasions in the liturgical year when priests may wear rose-colored vestments instead of the usual penitential purple.

In a previous interview with GMA News Online, Dominican missionary priest Fr. Paul Reagan Talavera said the rose-colored vestment “reminds us of the joy that will be coming, which is actually Easter.”

The other occasion when priests may wear rose vestments is Gaudete Sunday, which falls during the Advent season.

This year, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 5.—MCG, GMA Integrated News