Collect · Mar 7, 2010 · SESSIUNCULA
WDTPRS 3rd Sunday of Lent – Prayer over the people (2002MR)
Novus Ordo3rd Sunday of Lent — Feb 28, 2027, Mar 19, 2028
ORATIO SUPER POPULUM (2002MR): Rege, Domine, quaesumus, tuorum corda fidelium, et servis tuis hanc gratiam largire propitius, ut in tui et proximi dilectione manentes plenitudinem mandatorum tuorum adimpleant.Fr. Z’s literal rendering
Direct, O Lord, we beg, the hearts of your faithful, and propitiously grant this grace to your servants, that, remaining in the love of you and neighbor, they may bring to fulfillment the fullness of your commandments.
Historically, this was the Sunday in the ancient Church when, in Rome, catechumens underwent examinations. They would come in their penitential garments in a procession across the City to be "grilled" as it were near the tomb of this famous martyr. There were exorcisms at this time as the catechumens began their series of "scrutinies" before baptism at Easter.