To good Roman Catholics, Lent means 40 days of fast, abstinence, prayer, penitential works. Three Sundays before it begins, all churches are draped with mourning purple in memory of Christ’s Passion.

During the third week of Advent, we are reminded of the importance of joy, which can sometimes be forgotten in the midst of suffering in the world. Today is Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. Many priests wear ...

Pope Francis celebrates the Eucharist during a visit to St. Joseph Parish in Rome for Gaudete Sunday in Advent, one of two occasions in the year when rose-colored vestments are permitted, the other ...