Paschal Triduum 2007

This year I celebrated the Paschal Triduum at St. Anthony, Woodlands - Singapore. Here are some of the pictures.





























The same crucifix at the sanctuary decorated for the resurrection scene. The wood of the cross is hidden.



HOLY THURSDAY - Passover Meal

Lifting up the shank bone.
(a reminder of the Passover lamb)

Raising up the cup of wine
(reminder of the great gift of freedom)

The crowds enjoying the meal.

MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

The Presider washes the feet of the 12 men. And as he does it, the Parish Priest announced that there are basins around the pews for the congregation to wash each other's feet. I noticed some families washed each others feet.

The Parish Priest washing the feet of the Elect.

A mother washing her son's feet.

And in turn, the son washes the mothers feet.

GOOD FRIDAY - Passion Play followed by Service

Jesus takes up his cross.
(...and yet ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried...)

Jesus falls again
(...he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins...)

"Jesus meets his mother".

...See, my servant will prosper, he shall be lifted up,
exalted, rise to great heights...

...Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering;
but having been made perfect,
he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

"Woman, this is your son." Then to the disciple he said, "This is your mother."

...It is accomplished...

The Pieta
(Jesus is laid in the arms of his mother)

Veneration of the Cross

HOLY SATURDAY MORNING

The Elects attending the last session before the baptism (Prayer service on baptism day).

Sign of peace at the end of the session.

EASTER VIGIL

The Elects were clothed in brown as a sign of old life ( like cocoon) waiting for the new life and being chained as a sign of being in bondage where baptism can set free. These were removed by the priest during baptism. The Elects were dressed like this even on Good Friday. During the service of the light at Easter Vigil they mixed with the crowds and later sat among them for the liturgy of the word. During the litany at the beginning of the liturgy of baptism, the priests took the Easter Candle and walked along the pews; and as he passed the elects, they will follow him behind (symbolic - Jesus gathering his fold / going after the lost sheep; "I have come to give Life"). Once the priest was back at the sanctuary at the end of the litany, the sponsors will bring them to their seats and later to the baptismal font. It was an immersion baptism. After the baptism, the elects who were now called neophyte went to change into their Easter clothings. While waiting for them the community were lead by the priest in praying for them. Went they came back to the sanctuary they were clothed in the white garment by their sponsor. White a symbol of purity, freshness and New Life.

The hoods and the chains at the baptismal font (the priests removes them when the elect are Baptized)