A Howler from the Vatican

The news organisation Zenit (http://www.zenit.org) reports that Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the Pontifical Household preacher no less, said the following in his commentary on the readings for the third Sunday of Advent:-

'This Sunday is traditionally called "Laetare" Sunday, that is, the Sunday of "rejoicing," from the words of St. Paul in the second reading: "Rejoice in the Lord always; I say again, rejoice." '

Oh dear oh dear.

Poor old Father C seems to have got his penitential seasons mixed up...

"Laetare Sunday" is the name given to the fourth Sunday in Lent. The third Sunday in Advent is commonly called "Gaudete Sunday", from the opening word of the Introit, which is indeed taken from the words of St Paul to the Philippians.