English/French

Join the Rorate Masses at the Chapel for Europe in the early morning on Advent Thursdays at 7:00 am. Afterwards, stay for sharing, breakfast, and a nice cup of coffee/tea.

When: Thursday, 4, 11, and 18 December at 7:00 am.

The Rorate Mass is an ancient Advent tradition that takes its name from 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 Saviour.” – Isaiah 45:8

A Rorate Mass is traditionally celebrated just before dawn during Advent as a devotion to the Virgin Mary. This Mass in honour of the Virgin Mary is a beautiful, candlelit Mass that begins in the darkness of early morning.

What is the History of the Rorate Mass?
The Rorate Mass originated in the Middle Ages as one of the many Advent devotions to the 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.