Sunday, December 17, 2017

"Gaudete! Gaudete!" with Anuna


Here for the third Sunday in Advent is "Gaudete" (Rejoice!) --- after the first word of the Mass introit --- performed by Anuna, an Irish choral ensemble founded in 1987 by Michael McGlynn and still performing 30 years later after a variety of modest reincarnations.

I've been listening to the ensemble's new (in 2017) album, "A Christmas Selection," during this season of anticipation, meditation and penance as we move toward the winter solstice and the Christian celebration of light attached to it. This performance is from that album.

This is the Sunday we take a break, celebrate a little and light that rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath.

The week forthcoming will bring the longest night --- but after that light will reassert itself and the days will begin to lengthen.

The refrain, "Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus ex Maria virgine, gaudete!" translates, "Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born of the Virgin Mary – rejoice!"

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