It wasn't only rainy, it poured. It's really a pity, they even had to do the Urbi et Orbi blessing directly form the altar on the sagrato instead of the loggia. Which meant that the pope did not put on the mitre and cope of Benedict XV as had been announced by the Office of Don Guido. Oh well, there is nothing one can do about the weather. But perhaps, this can serve as a reason, also in the eyes of the liturgically uniterested public, to return those Masses inside of St Peter's.
All in all, this Triduum was a huge step forward in the Benedictine Liturgical Movement, Deo gratias!
A blessed Pascha Resurrectionis to everyone!
I was surprised that the really bad weather (there were numerous claps of thunder punctuating the mass as well) didn't force them indoors. Perhaps it was felt that once the crowds had gathered it would be a disappointment to them if the mass were moved indoors. I also got the feeling that they decided to do the Urbi et Orbi from the altar at the last minute for fear that the crowds would leave before the Holy Father got to the balcony. As it was many of those present for mass left before the Urbi et Orbi. And who could blame them. The weather was horrible.
There was definitely a little confusion at the very end of mass as the "Ite Missa Est" with the double Alleluia was never intoned. It is sad because I'm sure they had something much nicer planned but that downpour forced them to make last minute changes.
Incidentally, for thoee eager to see little signs of continuity in vesture, do note the albs on the two deacons in the first picture.
I'd gladly take Rome's weather. It's snowing and blowing here in Upper Michigan.
Love the papal umbrellas!
Do you have the homily text???
Perhaps next year they wil PLAN the Easter Mass as an indoor Mass, thus avoiding this problem, one of the many problems associated with having the Sacrifice of the Altar celebrated outside of the church building.
Thank you Mr. Tribe for posting the pics.
The organist gave the pitch for the Ite Missa est, but the deacon didn't take it up. There was a moment where one could see Msgr. Marini trying to tell him to sing it. It's comforting to know such glitches can happen even at the papal Mass. Now I don't feel so bad about our deacon butchering the Dismissal last night!
Why do Papal Masses continue to be held outdoors? I'm pretty sure St. Peter's is big enough. I thought Benedict was moving away from this practice at the beginning, but he seems to have embraced the outdoor Masses totally now.
Please tell us more about the fine 'dalmaticae' worn this Holy Week in the papal ceremonies.
@Gregor:
Where can I find announcements what will pope wear?
Garrett: he seems to have embraced the outdoor Masses totally now.
Have you not seen the Masses of the Sacred Triduum? They were all indoors. Benedict prefers the Mass to be held in the church, but on major feast days like, um, Easter, when he knows many faithful will be present, he celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Square.
Nice pics, but no one wants to see pics of OUR Easter Vigil. At least we brought 85 new souls into the Church last night. Even the poorest liturgies can be better than the alternative.
Why do Papal Masses continue to be held outdoors? I'm pretty sure St. Peter's is big enough.
Nope! It wouldn't have accommodated the tens of thousands who come for the Easter Morning Mass.
It should be noted that the Easter Sunday mornoing Mass is the only part of the Triduum celebrations held on the sagrato of the Basilica. All the rest are held in St Peter's or the Lateran Basilica.
Tremendous progress being made very quickly, but I noticed one extremely picky thing. At papal blessings in the old days the major prelates bowed, but the minor ones went down on at least one knee. Perhaps this is a dead letter now that no one kneels at the last blessing, but it would be a nice Marini-ism to see it return.
People complain when one harps on the cardinal deacons, and it is great to see them back at least occasionally. But I cannot think of a single major liturgical celebration in the old rite when they were not pictured in attendance on the Pope. It makes much more sense, even from an 'antiquarianist' point of view, for them to occupy those spots that continue to be hogged by the MC's.
If anyone would liek to see it, here is a roman chasuble that was worn on Easter day at Our Lady of Lourdes,in philadelphia:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdt...57604213133984/
The uncovering of the image of the resurrected christ at the gloria (Palestrina's missa brevis):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdt...57604205965770/
Dear Friends,
Please forgive if you've treated this before, but as an Orthodox Christian I've been most interested to see Pope Benedict's pallium as depicted in these photos; it is evocative of the Byzantine Omophorion and I'm sure this is no coincidence. The first time I had noticed it was on the Pope's visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I would be interested in hearing more about the use of this particular pallium, and of what its use might be indicative. (If a previous post treats this, a link would be just as gratifying) With thanks-
In Christ,
Subdeacon Lucas: Try this post: http://thenewliturgicalmovement....resent-
use.html
Gregor,
Thank you very much for the link--your well-written article fit the bill precisely.
In Christ,
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