There are two occasions in the liturgical year in which Catholic priests can wear a pink or pink chasuble.
Here we explain it to you.
1. Gaudete Sunday in Advent
The first occasion is the third Sunday of Advent or Gaudete Sunday, a Latin word that appears in the Bible and means “rejoicing” or joy.
This word is used in the entrance antiphon of the Mass that says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I tell you, rejoice! May your kindness be known to all men. The Lord is near.
This is Joy Sunday, because most of Advent, a time of conversion and preparation for Christmas, has already passed.
Although the priest can wear the pink chasuble, it is not mandatory, so he is allowed to wear the usual purple chasuble.
2. The IV Sunday of Lent
The second is the IV Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday or Joy Sunday.
It is named for the first words of the Introit of the Mass: “ Laetare Jerusalem ”, which means “Rejoice, O Jerusalem”.
The Catholic Encyclopedia (EC) explains that the Introit or Introitus of the Mass is the fragment of a psalm with its antiphon that is sung as the celebrant and ministers enter the church and approach the altar.
Strictly speaking, the Thursday before Laetare Sunday is the one that marks the middle of Lent, which is transferred to this day with a series of signs that seek to encourage the faithful in this penitential time, marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Other signs of joy are the flowers on the altar and the possibility of using the organ at Mass.
This, explains the EC, highlights “the contrast between the other Sundays and Laetare Sunday, which is emblematic of the joys of this life, measured joy mixed with a certain amount of sadness.”
The Catholic Encyclopedia recalls that this day is also known as “Rose Sunday” because on this date it was customary to bless the golden or gold rose that the Pope sent to the Catholic kings.