PS 97-98: Easter Day

Jesus arms outstretchedRemember, you can check the full document Paschale Solemnitatis on this site, among many on the internet. We’re now done with considerations of the Easter Vigil (PS 77-96), so we turn out attention to the next morning:

97. Mass is to be celebrated on Easter Day with great solemnity. It is appropriate that the penitential rite on this day take the form of a sprinkling with water blessed at the Vigil, during which the antiphon “Vidi aquam”, or some other song of baptismal character should be sung. The stoups at the entrance to the church should also be filled with the same water.

Remember this sprinkling on Easter morning takes place after the homily. It would seem the proper order would have the penitential rite omitted from the introductory rites.

98. The tradition of celebrating baptismal Vespers on Easter Day with the singing of psalms during the procession to the font should be maintained where it is still in force, and as appropriate restored. (Cf. GILH. 213)

Some places celebrate Mass in the evening, but yes, this would be a good tradition to restore. I wonder how religious communities celebrate this. If I lived close to a monastery, I think I’d prefer to visit and have someone else be responsible for this last Easter liturgy. What about you?

About catholicsensibility

Todd lives in Minnesota, serving a Catholic parish as a lay minister.
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3 Responses to PS 97-98: Easter Day

  1. Liam says:

    A technical twist on this: while the Penitential Rites Options ABC would be omitted, it’s not as clear that the simple Kyrie is omitted because it’s not strictly speaking part of the penitential rite itself (the simple Kyrie is omitted when Option C is used), as its not univocally penitential by itself. So there are places that use the simple Kyrie before the Gloria on Easter Sunday morning. My only point would be that, were I to encounter this again, I wouldn’t assume their practice contradicts PS.

    • Todd says:

      Another good catch. Liturgists I knew in the 80’s spoke of the simple Kyrie as an acclamation of gratitude for Christ’s mercy. I suppose the same holds true for Ash Wednesday.

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