| Liturgical Colors
Traditional colors
of the outer vestments worn by the presiding priests during Mass. By
tradition, the colors are white, green, red, violet, black and rose.
Vestments with gold or silver trim may be used on solemn occasions.
Violet is the vestment color
for Advent and Lent but we often see different shades or tints ranging
from deep purple to blue. The
liturgical books do not distinguish between the colors of Advent and
Lent, so it is left at the discretion of each parish.
It should be noted that violet may also be used for Masses for
the Dead, funerals, All Souls Day, the sacrament of reconciliation and
masses with a penitential character.
Still, different shades of violet may appear.
While Advent and Lent call
for the same color, the seasons unfold in different moods.
Lent maintains its double focus: the renewal of the community and
the preparation of those to be baptized at Easter.
Advent can barely suppress its joy.
The Alleluia still resounds before the Gospel, the season of
preparation is short, and the voices of the prophets are heard in the
readings, exulting in the approaching feast.
Advent is like a pregnancy; Lent is like a treatment. |
