Solemn First Vespers, followed by benediction of the Blessed SacramentThe altar for Holy MassDistribution of the blessed palms, while the sisters sing “Pueri hebraeorum, portantes ramos olivarum, obviaverunt Domino, clamantes et dicentes: Hosanna in excelsis
(The children of the Hebrews, carrying olive branches, went before the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest)The procession passes through the cloister, the road Corso Sirena, before halting in front of the church door.The cantors within the church initiates the hymn to Christ the King “Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit” while those outside the church respond with the refrain.
(Glory, praise and honor be to Thee)As the subdeacon strikes the door with the bottom of the rod holding the Cross, the door opens and “Ingrediente” is sung: representing Our Lord opening heavens’ gates for us, whose painful death on the Cross had procured.The palms are held throughout the narrative of the Passion of Our LordThe Gospel sung in the solemn toneThe scholaThe blessed palms are then placed onto every crucifixGifts for the superior, whose designated “feast day” is marked on Palm SundayOther surprisesPreparations for Holy Week: painting the Pascal candleThe Office of TenebraeThe schola singing one of the responsoriesA Canon chants one of the lessons of Holy Saturday, after the crucifixes have been unveiledA server takes the remaining candle and holds it behind the altar. There is a loud commotion, representing the chaos of nature after Our Lord’s death. The candle is blown out, and all depart in silence.Preparations for the altar of repose on Holy ThursdayA festive lunch with the community of the canons, in honor of the Institution of the Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist.The altar boys ring the bells during the Gloria, accompanied by the organ. These joyful chimes and music will then be suspended until the Gloria of the Mass of the Easter Vigil.The procession with the Blessed Sacrament toward the altar of repose.VespersThe stripping of the altarThe washing of the feet, also called “mandatum”, is preceded by a Gospel reading.The celebrant washes the feet of twelve people, just as Our Lord did for his twelve apostles.The Blessed Sacrament is adored at the altar of repose throughout the night, and until the ceremonies of Good Friday.Prayer before the meal on Good Friday.On Good Friday, the superiors serve the meal.The Good Friday liturgy begins with the ministers lying prostrate before the altar.The sisters sing the tract that precedes the chanting of the Passion.The Cross, having been covered in violet since Passion Sunday, is now unveiled.Adoration of the crossOur Lord in the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of repose is then brought back to the high altar.There is no consecration on Good Friday. The Host from the altar of repose is elevated for all to adore and only the priest receives Holy Communion.
