Friday 21 March 2008

Another step




Today our Holy Father made his appearance wearing a Roman chasuble at the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion. Another step. The ceremony took place inside St Peter's Basilica, on account of the cold outside.
I was intrigued to see that lace was much in evidence among the ceremonieri and the higher clergy: in our celebrations, we were careful to use plain linen (& polyester, I suppose) throughout.
I also noticed that the Holy Father made the sign of the cross (discreetly) with the Host before receiving Communion. I suppose this means we may all do so, if his practice is the definition of the Roman liturgy.
I also noted with pleasure the reappearance of the seven acolytes at the Maundy Thursday celebration.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, Father. I always wear a plain alb and my plainest Red vestments for today, to differentiate between the sadness of today and the joy of easter.

Unless of course these prelates are going to wear even more lace at Easter...

Zadok the Roman said...

I don't think the cold had anything to do with the liturgy being indoors today. I can't remember it ever being celebrated outside St Peter's. Usually, of the Triduum celebrations, only the Easter Sunday Morning Mass followed by Urbi et Orbi is celebrated outside.

PeterHWright said...

I'm not sure about outdoor celebrations at all.

After all, what did they build St. Peter's basilica for ? Not, I think, as a backdrop to celebrations in the piazza.