The Roman Liturgy

Laetare Sunday commemorates the Church as Mother and Bride

We are not ready to enter Passiontide and Holy Week until we have passed through the Sundays of Lent beforehand.

Mar 30 •

Before Passiontide, Lent asks us: ‘What think ye of Christ?’

This is the most important question of our lives, and each man must give an answer to it. Lent both asks the question, and gives us the answer.

Mar 20 •

Why the Lenten Ember Days impose ‘a double law’ of fasting

The Ember Days in Lent sanctify Spring through fasting and penance, preparing us for Easter.

Mar 13 •

The surprising start to the Sundays of Lent

After the dread of Septuagesima and the death sentence of Ash Wednesday, the Roman Liturgy takes a surprising change in tone.

Mar 8 •

Septuagesima, Babylonian Captivity, and the end of the crisis

Could the post-conciliar crisis nearly be over?

Mar 3 •

Septuagesima: The 'real' beginning of the liturgical year?

There is no greater break in tone than that between Epiphanytide and Septuagesima. What does this tell us about the liturgical year, and the spiritual…

Feb 16 •

Epiphanytide: 'Ordinary Time' or something much better?

The Sundays after Epiphany aren't 'ordinary': they are our preparation to enter into eternity.

Feb 8 •

Epiphany as the manifestation of Christ’s Kingship

Fascinating links with the Roman Empire reveal Epiphany as a great feast of Christ as King, and as the eternal Bridegroom of the Church.

Jan 6 •

Christmas as God's triumph over darkness and evil

The Roman Liturgy presents the feast of Christmas not so much about Christ's historical birth in Bethlehem, but his duel with darkness, and triumph over…

Dec 24, 2024 •

How Advent can immunize us against the fear of tyranny

Tyrants extend their power over us by exploiting our natural hopes. Advent divests us of such hopes, by pointing us towards the final triumph of Christ.

Dec 20, 2024 •

The Advent Ember Days are the antidote to a fake, secular Christmas

The world relentlessly anticipates its fake Christmas throughout December, insisting that we join in—and the Advent Ember Days offer an antidote.

Dec 17, 2024 •

The Close Presence of Christ in Advent

Advent is a time to revive our sense that Christ is present with us, watching over us and ready to act decisively.

Dec 7, 2024 •

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