Gloria During Lent

[Tetiaroa]

Our Parish received a letter from the Vicar-Priest that we should not say the Gloria during Lent season.

This was after our Parish was reported by some nun who attended Sunday service at our Church. It was during the 4th week of Lent. It was understood in our Parish that it is Rose Sunday so our Parish prepared the Church that week, changing vestment colors to rose-colors. We also said the Gloria.

Now here is what I quote from one definition of what a Rose Sunday is:

“This Sunday, called, from the first word of the Introit, Lætare Sunday, is one of the most solemn of the year. The Church interrupts her lenten mournfulness; the chants of the Mass speak of nothing but joy and consolation; the organ, which has been silent during the preceding three Sundays, now gives forth its melodious voice; the deacon resumes his dalmatic, and the subdeacon his tunic; and instead of purple, rose-coloured vestments are allowed to be used. These same rites were practised in Advent, on the third Sunday, called Gaudete.”

So the question is WHY CAN’T WE SAY THE GLORIA on this special day?

 

[dashso40]

All I know is the Gloria is not said during Lent…I don’t know about this special Sunday…

 

[bpbasilphx]

So far as I know, the Gloria is not sung in either form of the Roman Rite except on Annunciation and Holy/Maundy Thursday.

It MIGHT be allowed should the titular/patronal feast of a parish fall during Lent, but I don’t know for sure.

 

[Joannm]

So far as I know, the Gloria is not sung in either form of the Roman Rite except on Annunciation and Holy/Maundy Thursday.

It MIGHT be allowed should the titular/patronal feast of a parish fall during Lent, but I don’t know for sure.

I think it can be said on the feast of St. Joseph as well, but at no other time.

 

[Phemie]

I’d have to check my ORDO but I’ve checked out several sites on Laetare Sunday and with all the things they mention about the day nowhere do they say anything about singing the Gloria.

 

[benedictgal]

I think it can be said on the feast of St. Joseph as well, but at no other time.

Actually, if the Chrism Mass is celebrated on a day other than Holy Thursday (during Holy Week), the Gloria is sung; but, that is the only other time.

 

[AJV]

Our Parish received a letter from the Vicar-Priest that we should not say the Gloria during Lent season.

This was after our Parish was reported by some nun who attended Sunday service at our Church. It was during the 4th week of Lent. It was understood in our Parish that it is Rose Sunday so our Parish prepared the Church that week, changing vestment colors to rose-colors. We also said the Gloria.

Now here is what I quote from one definition of what a Rose Sunday is:

“This Sunday, called, from the first word of the Introit, Lætare Sunday, is one of the most solemn of the year. The Church interrupts her lenten mournfulness; the chants of the Mass speak of nothing but joy and consolation; the organ, which has been silent during the preceding three Sundays, now gives forth its melodious voice; the deacon resumes his dalmatic, and the subdeacon his tunic; and instead of purple, rose-coloured vestments are allowed to be used. These same rites were practised in Advent, on the third Sunday, called Gaudete.”

So the question is WHY CAN’T WE SAY THE GLORIA on this special day?

Well simply because we’re still in Lent. Laetare Sunday is not Easter - we don’t resume the Gloria or the Alleluia on that day just like other days in Lent. What we do is lighten it up a bit.

To give a (rather poor) analogy. You are waiting for a gala dinner in the evening. Wonderful and delicious food and desserts and pastries. But come 3 p.m., you begin to feel hungry, because you last ate at noon. So what do you do? You don’t go to the refrigerator and binge (I hope). You go and have a tiny snack, maybe a fruit or a small piece of cake or something. It’s not dinner yet, but you’re lightening your hunger with a snack. It’s the same with Laetare Sunday and so the Church reserves the signs of her full joy for the time after the season of preparation.

---

The Gloria is said on the feasts of the Annunciation, St. Joseph, titulars and any other solemnities and feasts that fall during Lent.

 

[benedictgal]

Well simply because we’re still in Lent. Laetare Sunday is not Easter - we don’t resume the Gloria or the Alleluia on that day just like other days in Lent. What we do is lighten it up a bit.

To give a (rather poor) analogy. You are waiting for a gala dinner in the evening. Wonderful and delicious food and desserts and pastries. But come 3 p.m., you begin to feel hungry, because you last ate at noon. So what do you do? You don’t go to the refrigerator and binge (I hope). You go and have a tiny snack, maybe a fruit or a small piece of cake or something. It’s not dinner yet, but you’re lightening your hunger with a snack. It’s the same with Laetare Sunday and so the Church reserves the signs of her full joy for the time after the season of preparation.

---

The Gloria is said on the feasts of the Annunciation, St. Joseph, titulars and any other solemnities and feasts that fall during Lent.

Let me add to that. When we were still a part of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, a new bishop was named. The new Ordinary’s Installation Mass was celebrated on March 17th, right in the full throes of Lent. However, we did have the Gloria because it was an important occasion; we did not sing the Alleluia.

It is interesting to note that even in Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we do not have the Gloria.

 

[Frosty]

At the Easter Vigil Mass, after the seemingly long dark days of Lent, hearing the Gloria sung and the bells of the church joyously ringing out with the first note, I am always struck by the wisdom of the Church in how she regulates the Liturgical calendar. Personally, that moment sends shivers down my spine and lifts up my heart and soul like no other time during the year.

 

[VociMike]

The GIRM is pretty clear:

“It (the Gloria) is sung or said on Sundays outside the Seasons of Advent and Lent, on solemnities and feasts, and at special celebrations of a more solemn character.”

 

[peary]

Our Parish received a letter from the Vicar-Priest that we should not say the Gloria during Lent season.

You do not say the GLORIA during Lent.

This was after our Parish was reported by some nun who attended Sunday service at our Church. It was during the 4th week of Lent. It was understood in our Parish that it is Rose Sunday so our Parish prepared the Church that week, changing vestment colors to rose-colors. We also said the Gloria.

Now here is what I quote from one definition of what a Rose Sunday is:

“This Sunday, called, from the first word of the Introit, Lætare Sunday, is one of the most solemn of the year. The Church interrupts her lenten mournfulness; the chants of the Mass speak of nothing but joy and consolation; the organ, which has been silent during the preceding three Sundays, now gives forth its melodious voice; the deacon resumes his dalmatic, and the subdeacon his tunic; and instead of purple, rose-coloured vestments are allowed to be used. These same rites were practised in Advent, on the third Sunday, called Gaudete.”

So the question is WHY CAN’T WE SAY THE GLORIA on this special day?

**Because even on Laetare Sunday, the Gloria is not recited, because it is Lent. **

But since when has the organ ever been silent during Lent? Not in my parish!

 

[AJV]

peary:
As the reference to the subdeacon shows, the source (CE) refers to previous liturgical rules (which were bent even then). Nowadays, not playing the organ is no longer mandated, but suggested.

 

[Tetiaroa]

The understanding of the Rose Sunday during Lent was originated from the time the Hebrews led by Moses into the Desert for 40 years. They reached a certain place to replenish themselves. In our Lent season, we reached Rose Sunday (4th week) to replenish ourselves during our 40 days journey with the Lord.

“…the chants of the Mass speak of nothing but joy and consolation…”

“…These same rites were practised in Advent, on the third Sunday, called Gaudete…”

If the chants of the Mass speak of nothing but JOY and CONSOLATION then what difference does it make with singing or saying the “Gloria”?

 

[benedictgal]

The understanding of the Rose Sunday during Lent was originated from the time the Hebrews led by Moses into the Desert for 40 years. They reached a certain place to replenish themselves. In our Lent season, we reached Rose Sunday (4th week) to replenish ourselves during our 40 days journey with the Lord.

If the chants of the Mass speak of nothing but JOY and CONSOLATION then what difference does it make with singing or saying the “Gloria”?

But, it is a reserved joy, and consolation does not necessarily mean jubilee. The Gloria is a song of immense jubilation and triumph. Now, the Gloria is prayed during the Solemnities of St. Joseph and the Assumption (when the latter falls during Lent); however, we don’t sing the Alleluia, which is about as jubliant and triumphant as one can get.

Now, the Hebrews reached a resting point, but, it was not the final destination. The fourth Sunday of Lent is a resting point, but, it is by no means the final destination. If I am driving to Dallas, an 8-hour drive, and I stop in Austin, I am merely taking a break. It’s not my ultimate goal. It’s a stop along the way. The same concept applies to the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

 

[PacoG]

Now, the Gloria is prayed during the Solemnities of St. Joseph and the Assumption (when the latter falls during Lent)

Wow. That would be a pretty late Lent. The Assumption is usually on August 15.

I think you mean the Annunciation.

 

[benedictgal]

Wow. That would be a pretty late Lent. The Assumption is usually on August 15.

I think you mean the Annunciation.

Yes. I meant the Annunciation I am still recouperating from our family reunion and I was also reading the August Magnificat while I was posting.

 

[Tetiaroa]

But, it is a reserved joy, and consolation does not necessarily mean jubilee. The Gloria is a song of immense jubilation and triumph. Now, the Gloria is prayed during the Solemnities of St. Joseph and the Assumption (when the latter falls during Lent); however, we don’t sing the Alleluia, which is about as jubliant and triumphant as one can get.

Now, the Hebrews reached a resting point, but, it was not the final destination. The fourth Sunday of Lent is a resting point, but, it is by no means the final destination. If I am driving to Dallas, an 8-hour drive, and I stop in Austin, I am merely taking a break. It’s not my ultimate goal. It’s a stop along the way. The same concept applies to the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.
So where can I find the actual reference that states how and when the Gloria or the Alleluia should be said? Someone mentioned the GIRM but what’s the actual page or section? Is it also in the canon Law?

 

[benedictgal]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.
So where can I find the actual reference that states how and when the Gloria or the Alleluia should be said? Someone mentioned the GIRM but what’s the actual page or section? Is it also in the canon Law?

Here is the section from the GIRM:

1. The Gloria is a very ancient and venerable hymn in which the Church, gathered together in the Holy Spirit, glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb. The text of this hymn may not be replaced by any other text. The Gloria is intoned by the priest or, if appropriate, by a cantor or by the choir; but it is sung either by everyone together, or by the people alternately with the choir, or by the choir alone. If not sung, it is to be recited either by all together or by two parts of the congregation responding one to the other.

It is sung or said on Sundays outside the Seasons of Advent and Lent, on solemnities and feasts, and at special celebrations of a more solemn character.

Thus, your parochial vicar is right on target with this.

 

[Tetiaroa]

Thus, your parochial vicar is right on target with this.

Absolutely, right.

Thank you.