Unrelated but still on topic, we had a Baptism/Chrismation today at our Maronite Catholic Church. There were only 3 of us able to sing the appropriate hymns but the visitors caught on quickly and hummed along. For those unfamiliar with the Maronite approach to this Sacrament, I can only describe it as truly reverent and beautiful. Midway through the proceedings, the priest tells everyone to rise and face West. This is the Rite of Exorcism and we repeat the prayers of the priest on behalf of the child. The priest then commands us to face East and we all turn towards the Tabernacle as he intones the words of the Creed. Immediately following Baptism, Father announced to all assembled that the baby would now be sealed through the Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation). The entire service ended with Father leading us all in a candlelight procession, to dedicate the child to Mary who leads all people to her Son. He carried an icon of the Blessed Mother and was followed by the parents carrying the baby, the godparents and the guests. During the procession, Father chanted the Litany to the Blessed Mother, in Arabic. (I know the beautiful melody but not the words).
As I helped to collect candles and missalettes, I could overhear the various conversations. One woman, from Switzerland, asked for a copy of the missalette, saying she had never experienced anything so beautiful before. Nearby, a young couple were discussing the prayers. I invited them to return one Sunday, for Divine Liturgy. The husband balked, saying he was not Catholic. Not a problem I assured him, he is always welcome. Asked to which denomination he belonged, he said Episcopal Church. He has left the church and is now wandering in the desert. Once again, I extended an invitation to attend Mass. He refused saying he carried God in his heart. I suggested it would be better to receive Him on his tongue for Jesus said: "Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you will not have life within you". He then excused his Catholic wife who works 7 days per week. Amazing the excuses people find, isn't it?
If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Maronite Baptism, grab it and enjoy its magnificence.
http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2007/03/fssp-una-voce-announcement.html
From Rorate Caeli. This is the FSSP in conjunction with Una Voce. A PDF file is linked at this site.
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Thank you for the beautiful description of the Maronite Baptism ritual. I had no idea that it was so different from the Roman rite. Prayers in Arabic? This surprises me.
On another note, I hope and pray that you are feeling better.