The spirit of penance during Advent is not the same as that for Lent and some joy is permitted. Gaudete means "rejoice" and takes its name from the first word of the Introit for that Sunday.

Catholic churches use the traditional ... The four points of Advent are hope, peace, joy and love. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, a candle representing one of these themes is lit to reflect ...

The pink candle will be lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means ‘to rejoice’ and the readings on this Sunday focus on joy – rejoicing in the Lord and joy in ...

Four weeks of Advent leading up to Christ Incarnate’s entry into the ... Four weeks, the first centered on hope, the second on peace, the third on joy, and the final one, on love. Hope, centered on ...

This season takes places from the day of Pentecost to the First Sunday of Advent. During this time, the Church continues to focus on the life of Jesus. This season is symbolized by a light green to ...

The Advent wreath is made of four candles and a circle of branches. Before the first candle is lighted, the household gathers for this blessing. In the short days and long nights of Advent, we ...