Easter Vigil

Welcome back Solomon I have surpassed thee! It was so good to see you at Mass again but please do not overdo it! To work and it was quiet so caught up on admin prior to our week in Germany with Ann and Paul. In the car enjoying the new Cathedral CD of Palestrina Lamentations. The weather was 4 seasons in one day including squalls of snow and sunshine. The library was cold so we were wearing our coats. There was one unfortunate episode when a member of staff took a fan heater out of the study room to warm up the staff room and did not offer an alternative heater. Mind you the person concerned was wearing a short sleeved shirt and no coat! Liz spent the day after attending morning prayer cleaning and preparing for the vigil. I made copies of the prayers for Holy week for the servers and publicity for the interfaith group. I arrived at the cathedral at 5.30 p.m. for the rehearsal. I checked my route up to the gallery where Liz, Lerone and I lit hundreds of nightlights right round the building using tapers. Quite hazardous as we had to climb over wires, equipment, chairs, under the great organ going at full pelt and sometimes in the dark too! But what fun and a unique perspective on the choir and the sung proclamation of the gospel. Sicut cervus of Palestrina from the gallery was amazing! Our cottas got rather grubby! I did this last year as well when we were acolytes. We ate at Zizzis and enjoyed pizzas (napoletana) and tiramisu. The vigil started at 8.30 p.m. with the new fire inside at the back of the building. What a wonderful moment as the light spreads from a single flame. Deacon Ed sang the Exultet really well. All the finest vestments and liturgical items appeared and the Cardinal pulled out all the stops too! 8 were baptised and lots confirmed including Graham one of the cathedral security team. It was rather nice not to have another job but just enjoy. Liz was looking after the taper bearers who included some of her confirmation class. The Vierne Messe solenelle truly is stupendous! The boys clearly loved singing the Bassano Dic Maria and Martin Baker's own setting "O filii". I love the way he highlights the alto line which is sung by boys and 2 professionals. All the neophytes and confirmed came back onto the sanctuary for communion which is a special time for them. We ended at 11 p.m. with "Jesus Christ is risen today" and Langlais Incantantion pour un jour saint. Cleared up and drove up tired but happy. This is the highlight of the liturgical year. Christ is risen! Alleluia!