Three Parishes in Johnstown will hold a special Advent Candlelight Mass commonly known as Rorate Caeli.
The Rorate Caeli Mass originated in the Middle Ages as one of the many Advent devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“We had a very beautiful Rorate Caeli Mass at Saint Andrew Parish last year with many people attending,” recalled Andy Ortiz, one of the organizers. “This year we extended this Advent tradition to other parishes as well. We want to honor and reintroduce the Rorate Caeli Mass to the faithful and reignite the beauty of our Church’s liturgical heritage here in Johnstown and in the diocese.”
The Rorate Caeli Masses will be celebrated each Saturday of Advent at 6:00 a.m. at the following Johnstown parishes:
December 7 – Resurrection
December 14 – Saint John Gualbert Cathedral
December 21 – Saint Andrew
“Schola members from each parish will unite to sing beautiful Latin/English chants, motets, and hymns completely a capella for each of the Masses,” Ortiz added. “At the end of each Mass, some refreshments and snacks will be provided.”
What is a Rorate Caeli Mass?
Rorate Caeli is Latin for “Drop down, ye heavens” and are the opening words of the Introit (which is an opening psalm or antiphon), coming from Isaiah 45:8.
“Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum, aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem.”
“Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior.” – Isaiah 45:8
A Rorate Caeli Mass is traditionally celebrated just before dawn in Advent as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass is only lit by candles, representing Mary’s role in bringing the Light of the World into the darkness of the world.
What is the History of the Rorate Caeli?
The Rorate Caeli Mass originated in the Middle Ages as one of the many Advent devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Liturgy was very popular among the people, especially in German-speaking areas, and was commonly celebrated on all Saturdays during Advent, with some areas having a Rorate Mass several or even all weekdays in the season.
How is it Celebrated?
Mass begins in darkness before sunrise, with only candles lighting the church to remind us of a world in darkness and sin that is anticipating the coming of the “Light of the World.” As Mass progresses, the church becomes brighter until the risen sun fills it with the light of day. As a votive Mass for the Blessed Mother, white vestments are worn instead of the violet normally used during Advent. The Mass readings and prayers highlight the prophecies of the coming of Christ and Mary’s role in bringing the Light into the world.
[Photo: An image from a Rorate Caeli Mass in 2023 at Saint Andrew Parish in Johnstown. Photo by Larry O’Reilly.]
