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Advent Rorate Mass
December 20, 2024 @ 7:00 am
On Friday, December 20, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., please join the Basilica of the National Shrine and Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, rector and celebrant, at the Crypt Church for the celebration of the ancient and beloved Advent tradition of the Rorate Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother, as part of our celebration of “100 Years of Worship.”
This Advent tradition, dating from the eighth century, takes its name from the incipit of the Introit of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the Advent votive Masses of the Blessed Mother: roráte, coeli, désuper (drop down, ye heavens). Traditionally, the first Mass of the day was celebrated after Lauds or dawn. The Rorate Mass is celebrated before Lauds and before dawn.
In the winter darkness, the faithful would walk to their churches carrying their lanterns or candles to light their way. Upon their arrival, they would illuminate the church with their lanterns and candles around the altar. As Mass was celebrated the sun rose, illuminating the interior of the church. Thus, the symbolism of “Mary, the Dawn” and “Christ the Perfect Day.”
Everyone is invited to bring a lantern or a candle to “light their way” and to illuminate the Crypt Church during the celebration of the Eucharist.
The Rorate Mass will also be livestreamed on www.nationalshrine.org/mass.
