FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER: OUR FIRST SUNDAY MASS IN THE EXTRAORDINARY FORM

On the fifth Sunday after Easter, Fr. Abe, CRS celebrated the Mass in the Extraordinary Form. A group of lay faithful assisted in the Mass. I was privileged to be present to assist in this Mass. The inclement weather outside brought heavy down pours, but despite of that Fr. Abe and the rest of us were able to fulfill our Sunday obligations. Fr. Abe had just concluded a weeklong retreat with the Somascan Sisters plus the series of activities in the convent and in the school. They were also preparing for the 'despedida" for priests and religious who will be leaving for new assignments. Fr. Richard Germanetto, CRS, his superior was transferred to their Seminary in Tagaytay. Fr. Richard was the one who gave encouragement to Fr. Abe to say this Mass. In fact before leaving for his new assignment, Fr. Richard bequeted to Fr. Abe a copy of the Liber Usualis. Due to stress brought about by the demands of the work, it was inevitable that Fr. Abe sufferred from his sinusitis, but he said that the thought that he would be celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass strengthened him and by a miracle this Sunday he was already feeling well. He was able to say the Mass for all of us. I observe that as time goes on things are getting better with our celebrations. Hopefully by June we shall be able to have the Missa Cantata.

The Appearance of the Altar after the Dismisal

Based on available resources, Fr. Abe and his Knights of the Altar made every effort to make the altar beautiful. The altar is the focal point of the Celebration because it symbolizes, Christ and His Passion. Looking at the Altar and reflecting on what it stands for, brings us to a deeper realization of what it took Our Lord to redeem us. Does this thought moves us to love Him all the more and to love our neighbor for the sake of Him who loved us?

The Mass Begins!

The simplicity of the St. Jerome Emiliani Chapel in Sorsogon City evokes the noble intentions that Our Lord desires from us. True faith is unassuming, and above all it is obedient. For the Lord said that, He desires obedience and not sacrifice. For what shall we render unto the Lord for all His goodness? I will take the cup of salvation and bless the Lord!

The Major Elevation

Lord, you are the source of Life, by your blood you have redeemed us to be your own. Ought not that we die to our selfishness and give ourselves to you? The Lord said to the disciples, "can you take the cup that I am about to take?" " And if I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself".

The Communion

"Grant to us, O Lord, who are filled with strength, from this heavenly Table, that we may both desire what is right, and obtain what we desire, through Our Lord." - Post Communion Prayer.

"Consumatum Est!" It is Finished: The Ablutions

Just before Christ expired on the Cross, He exclaimed "Consumatum Est!" What a profound statement from a dying man, both vivid and sincere. But this cry of the Lord is the life of the World. He has entered the Holy of Holies and concluded the sacrifice. "What shall I render unto the Lord for all the things He has done unto me?" This is the meaning signified by the ablutions. May this liturgical action bring us to that realization.

The Leonine Prayers

In the quietness and stillness the offering is done.

Fear not little flock!

Christ said to his disciples, "Fear not little flock for it has pleased the Father to give you the Kingdom!" What consoling words from Our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed buffeted we are from persecutions and weariness, there Our Lord stands to console us and to give us strength. In hope is our Salvation. A recurring theme in the writings of Pope Benedict XVI.

"The Confradia"

These ladies are tertiary members of the Oath Alliance of Two Hearts in Sorsogon City. Father Abe jokingly said that they are Oath members but here in St. Jerome Emeliani Chapel they are the "Confradia". These Ladies requested to be allowed to join in the Tridentine Mass. They encountered problem with their pastor who refuse to give them communion because they prefer to receive communion kneeling. I think that pastors should be solicitous and sensitive to the needs of their flock. There is nothing wrong with kneeling when receiving communion. Besides the shallow reason given was that it can delay or prolong the communion line. But how could that be when there are plenty of extraordinary ministers of communion? Even exceeding the numbers required. But you can see the happiness in the faces of these ladies. At last they have found a place where they can freely receive the sacrament. Besides no questions at all because the rubrics of the Tridentine Rite dictates that communion be received on the tongue and in a kneeling position.

Pray for us, pray for this apostolate and labor of Love.