The Rorate Mass takes its name from the Entrance Antiphon of these days. These are votive Masses in honour of our Lady and are celebrated entirely by candlelight. White vestments are worn instead of violet. In the dimly lit setting, we prepare to honour the Light of the World, Who is soon to be born, and offer praise to God for the gift of His Mother. As Mass proceeds and sunrise dawns, the church becomes progressively brighter just as our dark world is illumined by the birth of Christ.