He is risen! Truly He is risen!
Thank you, God, for overcoming death, and for including us in your plan for Life.
Yesterday morning dh and I attended a Via Matrix (similar devotion to the Via Crucis, but with more meditation on the sorrows of Our Lady) at the little chapel next to the nursing home where I volunteer on Saturdays. It is a small chapel, but since it attended to by priests of the nearby (stone's throw away) Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the liturgies are always lovingly done. There were only maybe 20 people in attendance, but there were three liturgical vestment-clad altar boys (about 10 years old), one carrying the cross and two with candles-on-a-stick. There was an organist and a fabulous, opera-quality male singer who produced truly wonderful, majestic music. The chapel itself is maybe a hundred years old, and copiously decorated for such a small, little-known church. I was so glad we were among the few who had decided to attend! Unfortunately, my camera didn't cooperate; the batteries were low and I was unable to take any pictures.
Last evening we went to Easter Vigil Mass at our usual San Cayetano. It started at 9 p.m. and lasted approximately three hours. Ever since my first one six years ago, I've always loved Easter Vigil Mass! First, the "new fire" rite outside the church, then the procession into the nave, with all lights off and the place illuminated by the candles each person holds. Then the nine Bible readings, summarizing the story of salvation, each one accompanied by a Psalm and a prayer. Then the baptisms and confirmations, and finally holy communion. What a blessing to be able to be present at all of this.
The photos today show dh and myself with our candles at the beginning of the Vigil Mass.
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Writer's Challenge goal for April: 15,000 words // Words so far: 2,903
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