Laetare Sunday

Laetare Sunday called also MID-LENT, is the fourth Sunday of Lent. It is named Laetare (to rejoice) from the first word of the Introit of the mass, which is from Isa 54:1. The characteristic of the services of the day is joyousness, and the music of the organ, which throughout the rest of Lent is suspended, is on this day resumed. Laetare Sunday is also called doninica de rosa, because it is the day selected by the pope for the blessing of the Golden Rose. See Siegel, Handbuch d. christl.-Kirchlichen Altermthuer, 4:366, 367.