Gaudete Sunday, the IIIrd of Advent

Today is Gaudete Sunday, so named from the opening word of the Introit. It is one of two days in the Liturgical year on which rose coloured vestments are allowed, the other being Laetare Sunday, the IVth of Lent.

The Collect from the Roman Missal:

Incline Thy ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.

The Propers of the Mass may be found here.

The article from the Catholic Encyclopædia on the Feast.

From Medieval Saints at Yahoo!