Good Friday in China
I wanted to mention that I did take the picture below prematurely. The crucifix was shrouded sometime after that.
We arrived at Nantou Church in time for Stations of the Cross. Unlike the US, where many people get the day off from work, here in Nantou Good Friday services did not begin until 8:00 pm. Luckily I had my cheapy prayers and devotions book that had the Stations listed so I could follow along. Once that was done, the service began, and I must report that it was as if we were anywhere. No instrumental music and only human voices. The priest lay prostrate before the altar upon entering. There were the readings, with the Psalm intoned (usually it is read here). I hope they do that more. Kissing the crucifix, which did surprise me, only because everyone in China is so afraid of germs (and yet they spit everywhere). The Deacon was armed with a full box of kleenexes to wipe in between everyone.
I was so happy that Myles was so solemn and involved through the service. I just know that it means I am probably overdrawn at the Good Boy Bank, and Sunday will be a nightmare.
They will be having Easter Vigil tonight, but as a family we won't be going. I might go alone, though getting back to Shekou might be difficult. The Mass will be long enough that I might not be able to get a bus back.
We arrived at Nantou Church in time for Stations of the Cross. Unlike the US, where many people get the day off from work, here in Nantou Good Friday services did not begin until 8:00 pm. Luckily I had my cheapy prayers and devotions book that had the Stations listed so I could follow along. Once that was done, the service began, and I must report that it was as if we were anywhere. No instrumental music and only human voices. The priest lay prostrate before the altar upon entering. There were the readings, with the Psalm intoned (usually it is read here). I hope they do that more. Kissing the crucifix, which did surprise me, only because everyone in China is so afraid of germs (and yet they spit everywhere). The Deacon was armed with a full box of kleenexes to wipe in between everyone.
I was so happy that Myles was so solemn and involved through the service. I just know that it means I am probably overdrawn at the Good Boy Bank, and Sunday will be a nightmare.
They will be having Easter Vigil tonight, but as a family we won't be going. I might go alone, though getting back to Shekou might be difficult. The Mass will be long enough that I might not be able to get a bus back.
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