Rorate Caeli Mass

Have you attended the Rorate Caeli Mass before?
The Rorate Mass begins in the darkness of the early morning, lit only by candles. By the time of the Consecration and Holy Communion, the sky has brightened with the dawn of a new day. The texts of the Mass center around the Annunciation to Our Lady by the Archangel Gabriel, that she is to be the Mother of God.

The Light of the World

Since Mary’s “yes” to the Annunciation sets in motion the end of the reign of the darkness of sin and death in our world, it is fitting that this ancient Advent liturgy begins in darkness and is transformed by the day’s first light from the East – which is another ancient title for the Messiah. (O Rising Sun, (Zechariah 6:12) splendor of eternal light (Habakkuk 3:4) and sun of justice (Malachai 3:20): come, and enlighten those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death (Ps 107:10, Lk 1:78-79)

As we prepare for the great Solemnity of Christmas, may we use this occasion to meditate on Our Lady’s obedient “yes” to God’s will. With this loving “yes” the Eternal Light, Christ our God, became Flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In a world that is marred by the darkness of disobedience and sin, may our daily “yes” in faithfulness to Christ, in imitation of Our Lady, bring the Light of Christ to all those whom Divine Providence brings into each of our lives

https://guadalupeshrine.org/post/events/rorate-caeli-mass/