Rorate Mass Welcomes the Dawn at St Pancras

Parishioners gathered in the early hours of Saturday 13 December to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary at St Pancras, Ipswich, where the traditional Advent Rorate Mass was celebrated at 7am.

This ancient devotion, the Votive Mass of Our Lady in Advent, is traditionally offered before sunrise and illuminated solely by candlelight, with not an electric light in sight.

The soft glow of dozens of candles created a reverent atmosphere as worshippers lit their missals with their own tapers. The choir sang the much-loved Mass setting Cum Jubilo (“with joy”), the traditional chant for liturgies dedicated to Our Lady.

During his homily, Fr Joseph reflected on Mary as the Morning Star, shining in the darkness and heralding the coming of her Divine Son at Christmas. He spoke of her appearance in the night of human sin as a sign of hope and a reminder of God’s dawning mercy.

Following the Mass, parishioners made their way to the hall, where a hearty breakfast awaited them. Coffee, croissants and bacon butties were eagerly enjoyed, providing a warm and convivial end to a beautiful and prayerful celebration of Advent.

Picture: the sanctuary at St Pancras just before the Rorate Mass began: courtesy Sara Hornby

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