The Diocese of Winona-Rochester celebrated the fourth Sunday of Lent, which is also called Laetare Sunday, with priests wearing rose-colored vestments.

“Your priest may choose to wear rose vestments and you may see flowers on the altar,” the diocese posted on social media. “This day is meant to encourage us that Easter is near! Take some time today and rest in the Lord and rejoice in all that he has given to us.” 

Tradition has it that on the fourth Sunday of Lent, churches utilize symbols of joy to encourage the faithful on their Lenten journey, according to New Advent. These symbols include flowers on the altar and priests dressing in rose-colored vestments, which is a lighter version of the purple they wear during the earlier weeks of Lent. 

Laetare is a Latin word meaning "rejoice," according to Simply Catholic. Laetare Sunday’s theme comes from Isaiah 66:10-11, which states: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” 

The day comes three weeks before Easter. This year Laetare Sunday fell on March 27. The day provides an opportunity for the faithful to celebrate moving past the halfway point of Lent, according to Pillar Catholic. 

Since the wearing of the rose-colored garments is optional, some priests still wear purple during their Mass celebrations. A glance at social media posting for various Catholic dioceses showed comments where parishioners posted about both colors.