Easter Vigil, April 8, 2012

I attended my very first Easter Vigil ever as an adult this Easter. Our Razon family did not attend vigils, except when we were part of the ceremony, because of its length, but we did go to Easter Sunday mass. I remember being one of the angels taking off Mama Mary's veil, under Sr. Felici's helm at our Cathedral in Tuguegarao. Same here in the US with our young family then, we went to Easter Sunday masses with the girls in their pretty Easter dresses. This Easter was special, attending my very first ever Easter Vigil with friends, S, J, C, B, and F. at the Queen of Peace with Father Jose.

The Easter Vigil, albeit long, is beautiful and a meaningful service. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the end of Lent. It is composed of (1) The Service of Light, (2) Liturgy of the Word, (3) Liturgy of Baptism, (4) Liturgy of the Eucharist. We went to QoP because it started earlier at 7 p.m.; whereas our home parish of St. Edwards, started at 8 p.m. However, QoP, because it is bilingual, finished the service in 2 hours and 30 minutes, whilst SE completed theirs in 2 hours;-). I tried hard to practice being in the moment during the readings as my mind was wandering off, and thankfully, the Holy Spirit was there to guide, and the service was made more meaningful and touching for me.

(1) The Service of Light: The Church was dim. We all had candles which were lighted from the Paschal Candle. This is the big, tall candle, from which light is the source for all lights for baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations, the Eucharist during the next whole year. The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World.

(2) Liturgy of the Word: Nine readings, seven Old Testament and two New Testament, were read. These readings espouse the goodness of God, help us reflect on His wonderful works since the beginning of time. The readings were 1) the story of creation, Gen 1:1-2; 2; 2) Abraham and Isaac, Gen 22:1-18; 3) Crossing of the Red Sea, Exodus 14:15–15:1; 4) Isaiah 54:5-14; 5) Isaiah 55:1-11; 6) Baruch 3:9-15.32–4:4; 7) Ezekiel 36:16-17.18-28; 8) Romans 6:3-11; and 9) Gospel reading Mark 16:1-7.

This was the most challenging part for me because my mind wanted to wander off, until the Holy Spirit guided me to be present. The readings were read alternately in English and Spanish. If the reading is in English, then a Spanish summary of the reading is told, and vice versa. I followed the reading and recognized a lot of words during the Spanish reading, with the little Spanish I have retained. We sang praises after each reading. Father Jose, before the start of his homily said, "The homily will be as long as the readings." Laughter filled the church. He translated his Homily in Spanish.

(3) Liturgy of Baptism
Easter water was blessed, the newest member of QoP, Banes was baptised, and we renewed our baptismal vows. Banes, now taking the baptismal name, Joe, was also confirmed.

(4) Liturgy of Eucharist
The Mass is resumed with Easter prayers. The Gloria is said again. The church bells and the organ, silent since Holy Thursday, are sounded again. Holy water is in the fonts again. Father Jose, in his parting words, mentionend that Easter Vigils usually last from 3 to 4 hours, and we finished in two and a half hours (!). So he asked, "Shall we do something else then?" Laughter filled the Church again. Halleluia, the Lord is risen.

Happy Easter to all. Peace, graces, and light.

Source: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1043

Good Friday 2012.

Good Friday Service. Quite and solemn.

When we were kids, we were admonished to be quiet, reserved, not to laugh, to be sullen. We were told not to listen to the radio (except for the sermons on Jesus' 7 Last Words and the Passion being sung), not to watch TV. Our help also told us not to bathe. We played with our cousins, then were asked to stop at 3 p.m., the time of Christ's death. It seemed like a long Good Friday then.

No Mass is celebrated on Good Friday. A special liturgy which consists of (1) the Passion and Death of Christ according to the Gospel of John is read, (2) a series of intercessory prayers (prayers for special intentions) are offered, and (3) the faithful revere the Cross by coming forward, kneeling, touching and kissing the Cross. We did not have Holy Water nor flowers in the Church this Holy Week.

The procession with Father and Deacon was silent, after which they lay prostrate at the foot of the altar.

The Passion of the Cross was read during Gospel, the Liturgy of the Word. I remember it being sung/chanted in Ybanag, "Passion" (with the accent on the second syllable)..

The Veneration of the Cross was most touching, where we quietly knelt, kissed, touched the cross with the choir singing.

The Good Friday liturgy concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion. The hosts used were consecrated from yesterday's Mass of the Lord's Supper since no Mass was held.

We all departed in silence, with the priests just going straight into sacristy (no Recession). A prayerful day to you.