What Are Ember Days? A Beginners Guide to Ember Days in the Catholic Church
What Are Ember Days? A Beginners Guide to Ember Days in the Catholic Church
Ember Days, or "Quatuor Tempora" in Latin, are a set of three days of fasting and prayer that occur four times a year: in the weeks following the Feast of St. Lucy in December, the Feast of the Holy Cross in March, the Feast of Pentecost in June, and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in September.
Ember Days hold a significant place in traditional Catholic practice, rooted deeply in the Church’s liturgical and spiritual heritage. These days, set aside for prayer, penance, and reflection, mark the changing of the seasons and offer Catholics an opportunity to renew their commitment to God through acts of spiritual discipline.
Ember Days are an ancient tradition of the Church dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. By the time of Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century, Ember Days had become an integral part of the Christian liturgical calendar. The modern format was arranged and prescribed by Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085).
The Book of Zechariah mentions an ancient Jewish custom of fasting four times annually (8:19). Early Christians adapted this practice, calling it "Quatuor Tempora" in Latin, meaning "four times." Over the centuries, the Latin word "tempora" evolved into the term "ember" in everyday language, leading to the name "Ember Days."
When do the Ember Days occur?
The Ember Days occur every year near the beginning of each season.
Spring: after Ash Wednesday.
Summer: after Pentecost Sunday.
Autumn: after Sept. 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Winter: after Dec. 13, the Feast of St. Lucy.
Tridentine Catholic publishes a calendar containing the dates of Ember Day observances. It's a website with a range of resources available based around the traditional Catholic faith and the Latin Mass. See the Tridentine Catholic website here.
The Ember Days serve multiple purposes within Catholic tradition. They are a time to focus on our spiritual life through fasting, prayer, and penance. They offer a period of renewal and preparation, both spiritually and physically, as we prepare for the changes in the seasons.
Thanksgiving
During the Ember Days, we express gratitude for the fruits of the Earth. Although we no longer live in an agrarian society, it remains important to acknowledge and give thanks for the abundance of food that is readily available to us. Even if we do not cultivate it ourselves, we benefit from the labor of those who do.
Fasting and Abstinence
Fasting and abstinence on Ember Days serves as a means to honor and show gratitude for the gifts of creation by using them with moderation. It provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and self-discipline, aligning oneself more closely with God’s will. Additionally, fasting acts as a form of penance and purification, helping to renew one’s commitment to spiritual growth and personal sanctity.
Almsgiving
The tradition of combining thanksgiving with almsgiving extends to the Ember Days as well. These days offer a wonderful opportunity to support those in need, reflecting the Church’s ongoing commitment to charity and generosity.
Praying for Priests
Historically, priests were ordained during the Ember Days, and the laity would pray for them, asking God to provide good and faithful priests. Today, the Ember Days continue to be a valuable time to pray for priests, especially given the demands and challenges they face in their ministry.
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Liturgical Observances
During Ember Days, the liturgical practices of the Church emphasize simplicity and penance. The liturgical color is often violet, symbolizing penance and preparation. The Masses celebrated on these days are marked by more solemn tones, and the readings focus on themes of repentance, humility, and the desire for spiritual renewal.
The selection of readings and prayers often reflects the seasonal change, reminding the faithful of the cyclical nature of God's creation and the need for constant spiritual vigilance. For example, the winter Ember Days may highlight themes of preparation for Christ's coming, aligning with the Advent season, while the summer Ember Days might focus on the fruits of the Spirit and the need for spiritual growth.
Ember Day Prayers
ANT. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for thee.
V/. Lord, Thou hast been our refuge.
R/. From generation to generation.
Let us pray.
GRANT, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that as year by year we devoutly keep these holy observances, we may be pleasing to Thee both in body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Blessing on Our Labours
O LORD, graciously look down upon Thy servants and upon the work of their hands, and do Thou, Who givest food to every creature, bless and preserve the fruits of the earth, that the needy may be filled with good things and that all may praise the glory of Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Honour of Christ’s Betrayal and Passion
O GOD, Who to redeem the world didst vouchsafe to be born amongst men, to be circumcised, rejected by the Jews, betrayed by the traitor Judas with a kiss, to be bound with cords, and as an innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter; Who didst suffer Thyself to be shamelessly exposed to the gaze of Annas, Caiphus, Pilate and Herod; to be accused by false witnesses, tormented by scourges and insults, crowned with thorns, smitten with blows, defiled with spittings, to have Thy divine countenance covered, to be struck with a reed, to be stripped of Thy clothes, nailed to and raised high upon a Cross between two thieves, to be given gall and vinegar to drink, and then pierced with a lance; do Thou, O LORD, by these most sacred sufferings, which I, unworthy as I am, yet dare to contemplate, by Thy holy Cross and by Thy bitter Death, free me from the pains of hell, and vouchsafe to bring me to Paradise, whither Thou didst lead the thief who was crucified with Thee, my Jesus, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, God forever and ever. Amen.
5x Pater Noster … Ave Maria … Gloria Patri …
(Indulgence of 3 years)
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