In a touch of austerity anticipating the approach of Lent, the Gloria is not sung today in the Gregorian liturgy. It was noticeably absent from Mass at Assumption Catholic Church in Windsor, Canada, across the river from Detroit, where we assisted today. According to the traditional Roman calendar, this is the second of the Sundays in “pre-Lent,” called Sexagesima, as in the Latin for the “Sixtieth” day before Easter. This number is more symbolic than arithmetical. Last week was the first of these pre-Lenten Sundays, Septuagesima or “Seventieth." For a good discussion of the history and liturgy, read Fr. Zuhlsdorf's "Sexagesima" (WDTPRS, February 14, 2009).
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sexagesima Sunday
In a touch of austerity anticipating the approach of Lent, the Gloria is not sung today in the Gregorian liturgy. It was noticeably absent from Mass at Assumption Catholic Church in Windsor, Canada, across the river from Detroit, where we assisted today. According to the traditional Roman calendar, this is the second of the Sundays in “pre-Lent,” called Sexagesima, as in the Latin for the “Sixtieth” day before Easter. This number is more symbolic than arithmetical. Last week was the first of these pre-Lenten Sundays, Septuagesima or “Seventieth." For a good discussion of the history and liturgy, read Fr. Zuhlsdorf's "Sexagesima" (WDTPRS, February 14, 2009).
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