晚上举行复活庆典/Easter Vigil
For the first time since we've come to China we attended Easter Vigil Mass. Normally we go on Easter morning, but this year we elected to go at night.
Even though it is a long Mass, and the kids got really tired toward the end, I am so glad that we went. It began, of course, with the fire outside. Our priest lit the Easter Candle and the procession silently entered the church. He stopped and called. We answered.
Jidu zhi guang.
Ganxie Tianzhu!
We lit our candles from his one holy flame.
Jidu zhi guang.
Ganxie Tianzhu!
The priests reached the front of the church. The Exlutet was intoned so beautifully. That early part of the Vigil Mass, when we are only unaccompanied voices and candle lit, is just so chilling.
Here's a brief video of the Deacon singing the Easter Proclamation to give an idea of how it sounded.
When it came time for the first Alleluia, our celebrant stood and chanted "阿里路亚!" Yet another moment in a Chinese liturgy when I was nearly overcome with emotion. At that point of the Mass, his voice sounded defiant of the lingering darkness. How could we not chant in response?
This solemn and beautiful Vigil was such a fitting end to this Triduum and this Lent.
After Mass I noticed some people gathered with the celebrant outside the church where some tables had been set up. He had a booklet in his hands and he was praying over several grocery bags and bundles. How have I lived here this long and never known that they bless "Easter Baskets" here, too? Another priest saw my overstuffed diaper bag and thought I had something to be blessed. I told him that I had no idea they did that here, so next year I would be ready.
Even though it is a long Mass, and the kids got really tired toward the end, I am so glad that we went. It began, of course, with the fire outside. Our priest lit the Easter Candle and the procession silently entered the church. He stopped and called. We answered.
Jidu zhi guang.
Ganxie Tianzhu!
We lit our candles from his one holy flame.
Jidu zhi guang.
Ganxie Tianzhu!
The priests reached the front of the church. The Exlutet was intoned so beautifully. That early part of the Vigil Mass, when we are only unaccompanied voices and candle lit, is just so chilling.
Here's a brief video of the Deacon singing the Easter Proclamation to give an idea of how it sounded.
When it came time for the first Alleluia, our celebrant stood and chanted "阿里路亚!" Yet another moment in a Chinese liturgy when I was nearly overcome with emotion. At that point of the Mass, his voice sounded defiant of the lingering darkness. How could we not chant in response?
This solemn and beautiful Vigil was such a fitting end to this Triduum and this Lent.
After Mass I noticed some people gathered with the celebrant outside the church where some tables had been set up. He had a booklet in his hands and he was praying over several grocery bags and bundles. How have I lived here this long and never known that they bless "Easter Baskets" here, too? Another priest saw my overstuffed diaper bag and thought I had something to be blessed. I told him that I had no idea they did that here, so next year I would be ready.
Comments