THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Laetare Sunday
The Latin "laetare" means "to rejoice", as the opening antiphon said: "Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her." But what is the reason for this joy?
Pope Francis in his 2018 homily told us: "The reason is God's great love for mankind… ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life’ (Jn 3:16). These words...summarize a theme that lies at the heart of the Christian proclamation: even when the situation seems desperate, God intervenes offering man salvation and joy.” On this Sunday the Church expresses
hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten fasts and penances. Laetare also reminds us of the event we look forward to at the end of the
penitential season and the joy in anticipation of the resurrection.






