During lent we refrain from using the ‘Gloria’ at Sunday Masses, and the Alleluia verse before the Gospel is not sung (which may be a relief to some of you!). In fact, the use of the word ‘Alleuia’, which means ‘ Praise to God’, is removed from the Liturgy throughout the season of Lent – in a sense we ‘fast’ from its usage so that when we get to Easter and the 50-day Season of Eastertide we can sing it with renewed vigour!
The use of flowers in Church is also much reduced – in the same way as with the use of ‘Alleluia’, the absence of flowers during lent makes their re-appearance at Easter all the more welcome!
On Mid-Lent Sunday, also known as Laetare Sunday from the first words in Latin of the Entrance Antiphon of the Mass, we make an exception and use some flowers to decorate the Altar – this Sunday is a sort of ‘deep breath’ before we enter into the second half of Lent , and then Holy Week itself.
