Many Catholics will appreciate that Advent is traditionally seen as a time of preparation, reflection and penance in the Church. But within Advent itself, there is a lesser-known time of prayer and fasting known by the somewhat mysterious moniker of Ember Days.
As with Lent, during Advent the Gloria is omitted during Holy Mass, and the liturgical colour purple is used to signify a time of penance. Gaudete Sunday, like Laetare Sunday during Lent, serves as a break in the penitential tone of the Advent liturgical period as well as a chance to look forward to the great feast it prepares for.
