I started the Holy Triduum by driving up to Seattle to St. James' Cathedral for the Mass of the Lord's Supper. I had never been to the cathedral before and was kind of awe-struck by the size, the beauty, and the amazing choir. Then top it off with the procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose and it was just stunning.
Immediately after the Mass, I joined a few friends (and about 200 other young adults) in a small pilgrimage with the Archbishop. We walked a total of six miles to four different churches, stopping at each one to pray for about 20 minutes. The whole thing took about 4 hours. It was a pretty wonderful experience to spend that much time in prayer, and with so many other people.
On Good Friday, I did not attend a service. But near 3:00pm, the family gathered in the living room to pray the Stations of the Cross together. I lit fourteen candles which the kids took turns blowing out as we finished meditating on each station. Afterwards, we baked resurrection rolls together and then watched The Passion.
On Holy Saturday, we tried to maintain a contemplative and prayerful mood in our house.
Until... Easter morning!!!
This photo was taken right before we left for Mass this morning. We drove up to the chapel on the campus grounds of Bastyr University for a Solemn High Mass. The chapel was built in the 1950's and has remained untouched since then. It's marvelous! Apparently, the chapel has excellent acoustics so it is frequently used as a concert hall, and faiths of all denominations are welcome to use the chapel for weddings, BUT it was especially beautiful to me seeing the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at it's altar:
After Mass, we joined my friend and her family at their grandparent's house for their family Easter celebration. Being a military family and not living near our own family, we really, really appreciate when others extend the invitation for us to join them. The company was lovely, the property was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the egg hunt was plentiful. I mean, if you were going to hunt for Easter eggs, wouldn't you want to do it here?
The kids got spoiled rotten (in the best possible way!) Bubbles, balloons, popcorn, and enough candy to freak out any respectable dentist.
Feeling super blessed right now to have had such a magnificent Triduum, and to have spent it with such generous people. Wherever this crazy military life takes us, we are always blessed to find friends that make for happy memories.
On Good Friday, I did not attend a service. But near 3:00pm, the family gathered in the living room to pray the Stations of the Cross together. I lit fourteen candles which the kids took turns blowing out as we finished meditating on each station. Afterwards, we baked resurrection rolls together and then watched The Passion.
On Holy Saturday, we tried to maintain a contemplative and prayerful mood in our house.
Until... Easter morning!!!
This photo was taken right before we left for Mass this morning. We drove up to the chapel on the campus grounds of Bastyr University for a Solemn High Mass. The chapel was built in the 1950's and has remained untouched since then. It's marvelous! Apparently, the chapel has excellent acoustics so it is frequently used as a concert hall, and faiths of all denominations are welcome to use the chapel for weddings, BUT it was especially beautiful to me seeing the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at it's altar:
Feeling super blessed right now to have had such a magnificent Triduum, and to have spent it with such generous people. Wherever this crazy military life takes us, we are always blessed to find friends that make for happy memories.
Hi Emily! Wow, what a beautiful, worshipful Holy Week and Easter you had! Those churches are just gorgeous. And your kids have grown so much! Anya looks adorable in glasses. We need to have yall out again sometime. Take care, Tanya (Whitney's mom)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! :) I saw Whitney's photos and it looks like you all had a lovely Easter, too!
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