Rorate Caeli - Drop down, you heavens!

A Rorate Mass celebrated in Sacramento


I recently celebrated a special Advent candlelight Mass called a Rorate Caeli Mass.  This comes from the Latin words from the entrance chant or hymn, which  translate as "Drop down, you heavens, from above and let the skies pour down righteousness."

The theme is both to anticipate the coming of Christ and His Kingdom of Heaven (hence celebrated in Advent) and also to honor Our Lady.

Thanks to Patrick the seminarian for pulling it together as well as Deacon Ron Stang and Greg Feldkamp for assisting. 

The Mass is celebrated before down, with the Church in the dark, holding only lit candles.  The sanctuary is typically the only thing lit, with many candles.

There is a beautiful symbolism here: that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the dawn, announcing the coming of Christ her Son.  Also, the true light of the world emanates from the sanctuary of every Catholic Church because there on the altar the Word becomes Flesh and the holy and saving sacrifice of the Cross is made present.

I hope to offer this again next year. 

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