Septuagesima Sunday
Laudetur Iesus Christus!
In the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, this Sunday is the first day of the Season of Septuagesima. This brief liturgical season consists of just three Sundays: Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima.
The Season of Septuagesima serves as a preparatory time before Lent, which is now just over three weeks away. In the Extraordinary Form, violet vestments are worn and the Alleluia is no longer said or sung until the Easter Vigil. This Season of Septuagesima might look like Lent, but it isn’t, as the Lenten penitential observances of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that all Catholics are called to practice do not begin until Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Whether or not one goes to Mass in the Extraordinary Form, this remains a good time of year to begin thinking about the coming Lenten season. As we gather our blessed palms from around the house and bring them to our parish for burning for Ash Wednesday, now is the time to begin giving Lent some thought. May you all have a blessed and fruitful Septuagesima Season!
Ora pro nobis!
Geoffrey W. M. P. Lopes da Silva
Publisher and Executive Editor