Lengthened with pandemic and other delays, my old parish took nearly two years to complete a renovation. While some had hoped for Easter 2020, the eventual project end was slated for later last Spring. Last Saturday, they finally celebrated the fruits of their labor. Many images were shared on the parish’s social media, but I liked this scene during the entrance rites:
When I departed in November, the tabernacle was yet to be finished (and there it is, unblessed and door open). An interesting bit: the deacon and acolyte who brought in the martyr relic (red-covered chest in front of the altar) are vested in red. (For the Liturgy of the Eucharist, there was a shift to white.)
My one other dedication experience lacked the placement of the relic under the altar, but they did it here:
The plan was to hire the stonemason to seal up the hole in the floor during the liturgy.
I haven’t viewed the whole Mass online yet. On social media, one of the singers mentioned 13 total psalms–there is a definite repertoire recommended in the Roman Rite. Usually, the music ministry at such an event even outnumber a clergy of augmented size. In this instance, not so. The liturgical personnel were one archbishop, four priests, two deacons, two singers, and one pianist.
I feel blessed in my new assignment in Minnesota, but I did feel a bit of regret for missing the finishing touch on this project that had been long-dreamed-of in Washington. Maybe that’s part of my reticence in delaying the watch four days now.
Catholic Sensibility 