The festive season is upon us, bringing joy, customs, and cherished traditions. One significant Christmas Eve liturgical tradition is Midnight Mass, a celebration deeply rooted in history and significance.
Midnight Mass is observed on Christmas Eve, marking the commencement of Christmastide with the celebration of Holy Communion. It serves as the inaugural liturgy of Christmas, beginning precisely at midnight. The event involves the Mass or Service of Worship in honor of the Nativity of Jesus.
The tradition of Midnight Mass finds its roots in the accounts of Egeria, a Galician woman who documented her pilgrimage to the Holy Land between 381-384. Egeria observed the Christmas mystery celebration in Bethlehem, where early Catholics of Jerusalem held a vigil at midnight.
This all-night vigil tradition was officially adopted by the Western world in 430 under Pope Sixtus III in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Midnight Mass is practiced by the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, and Lutheran Churches. Its popularity surged in the 12th century when priests were granted permission to celebrate three Masses on Christmas Day—midnight, dawn, and day.
Treated as a Solemn High Mass, the celebration involves singing and extends until dawn. The practice has been a Roman Catholic Church tradition, although, since 2009, the Pope has celebrated this Mass at 10 pm instead of midnight.
The significance of Midnight Mass lies in the personal importance of forgiveness. Families come together joyfully, waiting for the arrival of the Savior, Jesus, creating a meaningful and cherished tradition every year.
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