The Rorate Mass is a traditional Advent devotion wherein the Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Advent is offered just before dawn. This sung Mass is lit only by candlelight; the interplay of light and darkness speak to the meaning of Advent and the coming of the Light of the world. Since it is a votive Mass in Mary’s honor, white vestments are worn instead of Advent violet.

In the dimly lit setting, priests and faithful prepare to honor the Light of the world, He who is soon to be born, and offer praise to God for the gift of Our Lady. As the Mass proceeds and sunrise approaches, the church becomes progressively brighter, illumined by the sun as our Faith is illumined by Christ.

The readings and prayers of the Rorate Mass foretell the prophecy of the Virgin who would bear a Son called Emmanuel, and call on all to raise the gates of their hearts and their societies to let Christ the King enter; asking for the grace to receive eternal life by the merits of the Incarnation and saving Resurrection of Our Lord.