God does not begin with thunder. He begins with a virgin’s womb
Beautiful Rorate Mass celebrated at St George’s Cathedral by the Southwark Catholic Youth Service
The Rorate Mass is an ancient Advent tradition. It is a candlelit Votive Mass in honour of Our Lady. The candlelight symbolises Christ, the Light of the World, gently breaking into our darkness.
Its name comes from the opening words of Isaiah: “Rorate caeli desuper” meaning “Drop down dew, O heavens, from above.”
Father Phil celebrated the Rorate Caeli Mass (Latin Sung: Novus Ordo) for the Southwark Catholic Youth Service. In his homily, Father Phil said:
“God does not begin with thunder. He begins with a virgin’s womb. The Eternal enters time; the Infinite chooses smallness; the Holy makes himself touchable”.
In a call to action to the many young adults at Mass, Father Phil said:
“You are not here tonight merely to be comforted, but to be commissioned.
“In a few moments, you will receive the Eucharist — or you will adore the Lord present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar, amidst his people.
“Either way, take this to heart: you will leave this chapel carrying Christ, as Mary did. Not in the same physical way, but truly: the same Lord Jesus, the same Emmanuel, the same Light.
“Therefore, do not step back into the streets as though nothing has changed. Go out as men and women of Advent: steady in hope, clear in faith, and aflame with charity.
“Let your friendships, your studies, your work, your conversations, and your choices become a quiet, radiant proclamation that God is with us.
During the Mass, Father Dermott O’Gorman, the Director of the Southwark Catholic Youth Service, heard confessions. The music was provided by the St George’s Cathedral Choir.
The Mass was followed by drinks in Amigo Hall and was the last event for the Southwark Catholic Youth Service this year. For their future events, visit their website where you can also sign up to their newsletter.
