Lenten Custom of Laetare Sunday

The fourth Sunday of Lent (often called the “Rose Sunday”) is known as Laetare Sunday because of the Introit appointed for it: “Laetare Jerusalem” – “Rejoice, O Jerusalem.” It mark the midpoint of Lent and thus is a Sunday of rejoicing and muted celebration.

The English custom is to call it Mothering Sunday, because the laity would gather at the cathedral or “mother” church to make a special offering. In some places it is custom give a rose to one’s own mother on this day, an obvious tribute to the “mother theme.”