I was most privileged this morning to attend, for the first time, a Maronite liturgy entitled the Signing of the Chalice. It is so different from the other liturgies. Prayers normally chanted are spoken - there is no music. There is no Allelulia before the reading of the Gospel. Even the consecration is different in that the priest asks our heavenly Father to consecrate the Body and Blood. Only the priest takes communion. It is a very ancient liturgy. It culminates with a special blessing for those present who have witnessed it.
Good Friday services this evening, following our meatless community meal. A Blessed Easter to all!
That sounds like a wonderful liturgy.
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Good article. Thanks for the ping.
Divine Mercy Novena Begins on Good Friday
The Three Crosses: The Good Thief or the Cross Accepted
The Three Crosses: The Bad Thief or the Cross Rejected
The Drawing of Christ on the Cross [Images]"
Online Exclusive: Good Friday: A good day for faith, family and food
Services here have come and gone. I also spent 2 1/2 hours watching the service from Rome. Still, all I hear right now is my typing and nature.
It needs to become a federal holiday in the US and applied to the 25 or so states that give it no status at all.
I just emailed this essay to my very pagan young secretary Ann who came in today, said "Happy Good Friday" in a sort of hesitant voice and asked, what do you do on Good Friday anyway? I said, I go to Church, want to come? She said, "No" I'm sort of afraid of Church. I've known her since she was three and she had no religious experience at all in her up bringing. So in the service, when we prayed for those who do not believe, I listed Ann.