Advent Rorate Mass
December 19 @ 7:00 am
On Friday, December 19, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. in the Crypt Church, please join the Basilica for the celebration of an ancient Advent tradition, the Rorate Mass. Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector of the Basilica, will be the celebrant and homilist.
The Rorate Mass, a votive Mass held in honor of the Blessed Mother during Advent, is an ancient and venerable tradition. It takes its name from the incipit (or beginning) phrase of the Introit: “Rorate Caeli de super,” (Let the heavens rain it down).
Traditionally, in monasteries and convents, the first Mass of the day is celebrated after Lauds. The Rorate Mass was granted permission centuries ago, to be celebrated before Lauds; before the dawn. People were originally drawn to the Mass, not because of the candlelight, but because as the liturgy progressed, light from the rising sun filtered into the Churches, reminding the faithful of the coming of the Eternal Light.
As the Church concludes the 2025 Jubilee Year and nears the end of the Advent season, we reflect upon the theme of hope. This Jubilee of Hope affirms St. Paul’s message to the Romans that “Hope does not disappoint” and the season of Advent similarly highlights the hope that comes from the birth of Christ.
This Advent tradition is a visible example of the line from Eucharistic Prayer III, “So that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.” The rising sun also gives expression to the hymn: “Mary, the Dawn; Christ, the Perfect Day.”
All are invited to attend this Mass, and to bring candles to light the Crypt Church.
For those who cannot attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.
