Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, when rose may be worn and the season's austerity lightens.
Dates
| Year | Dates | Reckoning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 30, 2025 | ||
| 2026 | March 15, 2026 |
Recurrence: Western Easter computus (the fourth Sunday of Lent, 21 days before Easter Sunday).
Significance
The fourth Sunday of Lent is Laetare Sunday, named for the word 'rejoice' that opens its liturgy, and it lightens the season's austerity midway, as Gaudete Sunday does in Advent. Rose may be worn in place of violet. Its readings include the man born blind, who receives his sight, and the father who welcomes home the prodigal son.
Observance
Rose vestments may be worn, and the readings rejoice that light has come into the world even as the fast continues.