Illuminated by candlelight, and accompanied by Gregorian chant and medieval polyphony, this mass offers us an hour of devotion, contemplation and beauty, as we prepare for the coming of the Light that is our Saviour, our Emmanuel. The tradition of the Rorate Mass stretches back to at least the eighth century (and possibly earlier), and its name is taken from the first words of the Introit: Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness (Rorate caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum).
Saturday, 20 December, 2025
at 7:30 a.m.
Music will feature Gregorian chant and medieval polyphony
sung by a trio of women’s voices.
Mass: Missa Alme Pater – plainchant
Motets: Salve, virgo virginum – English, 14th century;
Salve, mater gratie Maria – English, 14th century