Catholics across the nation probably noticed their priests wearing rose-colored vestments on Sunday, a change from the purple worn for the past few weeks.

The reason is because of the meaning that Laetare Sunday carries. The name Laetare Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent, stems from the Latin word for "rejoice." The day signifies that the faithful are more than halfway through their Lenten journey, and the color change serves as a sign of hope for the fact that the Resurrection is just three weeks away.

"Did you know? Today, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is Laetare Sunday!" the diocese said in a recent Facebook post. "Did your priests wear rose-colored vestments today?"

On the fourth Sunday of Lent, churches employ special symbols of joy to encourage the faithful on their Lenten journey, a report on NewAdvent.org said. These symbols include flowers on the altar and priests dressed in rose-colored vestments. 

The theme of Laetare Sunday is rooted in Isaiah 66:10-11, SimplyCatholic.com said. The passage states, "Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast."

This year Laetare Sunday fell on March 27, and it marks a day to celebrate moving past the halfway point of Lent, a report on PillarCatholic.com said.