Categories: friends, other-churches, spiritual-journey
Date: 09 April 2007 08:42:31
Christus resurrexit!
An absolutely beautiful Paschal Vigil and Solemn Mass thanks to the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter in Melbourne at St Aloysius', Saturday evening. And it was made all the more wonderful as it was the Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion for shipmate IngoB.
Words cannot describe the majesty of the service: from the start at a grotto (photo from last year's Mass) with the new fire burning away: the Paschal candle was lit from it, a number of prayers were said, and we processed inside the dark church, lighting our candles as we entered. The glorious Exultet was gloriously sung, there were a number of readings and prayers. Then it was time for Ingo's Baptism.
We processed to the back of the church in an alcove where the font was, and the ceremony, the beautiful ceremony, took place. As a parishioner commented afterwards, it is a joyful and heart-moving thing to hear an adult confess the Faith. Ingo was vested in his baptismal garment, and we returned to the church proper.
As we, I believe, moved from the Paschal Vigil to the Vigil Mass, the church was bathed in light from above, and the organ swung into action [I do so love the organ!] From dark to light, from quietness and stillness to solemn joy: the Gloria was sung, the Mass continued, and Ingo received the Holy Body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the first time.
After the Mass, lots of talking, to Ingo and parishioners, before heading off to our respective hotel via tram at just after 1am. The liturgy is still singing around in my head.
A truly joyful and blessed Easter celebration; and it was a great joy to meet Ingo as well.
Please remember Ingo in your prayers, as well as Mark who was baptised this Paschal Vigil also, and indeed all who were received into a church community this Easter or are celebrating their anniversary this Easter: many, many years.