Gaudete literally means “rejoice,” for the Lord is coming! And so on this Sunday you’ll notice that the Advent purple gives way to a splash of rose. The frontal on the altar changes, the vestments of the clergy change, there are flowers, and the third candle‚ a rose one‚ is lit on the advent wreath. All of this is a bit of joy breaking into what is otherwise a penetential season. After today we return to purple for the remainder of Advent.
During Lent, we observe a similar break in the midst of a pentential season. It is known as Lataere Sunday, which also means “rejoice.” It is always celebrated on the Fourth Sunday in Lent.
