Vigil-ance

For more than 5 years, Mark and I had this Holy Week tradition of hearing Easter Vigil mass at the Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi. And while it's been 2 years since we last went there, I still remember the vigil mass as if it were yesterday.

When we arrive, the entire chapel would be dark. The parish goers are then asked to wait by the corridor for the official start of the vigil. They would hand us candles, then we're led to the garden for the first part of the ceremony. Since it's Springtime, the cold air mingles nicely with the warmth from the flames.

Then, the congregation would head back into the building and into the main chapel. Oftentimes, people would go inside in a rush since the seats are limited and the mass is long. Mark and I would usually take the same spot, which is on the left side of the altar. (Although we sat on the right side during our last mass in 2016.)

The chapel is still pitch dark by the time we arrive. It gives the chapel a feeling of serenity and calm. They would have the traditional 7 readings, and somewhere in between is my all-time favorite "Go down, Moses." (Which I've written about several times already.)

Here's my super duper favorite part. For the first time in 40 days, the congregation once again sings the "Gloria", and all the lights in the chapel come on. This is always a breathtaking and emotional moment for me.

After the readings and the gospel, the Litany of the Saints is sang. This signals the procession to the basement where the Easter baptism occurs. Again, this is another emotional highlight for me.

Everyone then takes a short break to let the new Catholics change clothes, and everyone heads back up to the main chapel for the resumption of the mass. Once it begins again, the new Catholics walk around the chapel, hand-in-hand, amidst songs and applause from the mass goers. This is the part when my heart really swells with joy, seeing new Catholics - young and old - proudly joining our family.

Then, the mass concludes, and we all greet each other a Happy Easter. And usually, the priests will also be in front of the Chapel to greet everyone as well.

After that, we have dinner in Roppongi, or go back to Nakano.

That's how we usually spend the Easter Vigil, and I look forward to doing it again soon.