I've written about it many times, and I'll write about it again. Spending Easter Vigil in this church is truly a rewarding, enriching and emotional experience.
From walking into the chapel in the dark and getting our candles. To the opening prayers held in the chapel gardens. Then walking to the main chapel where everything is dark and only lit by candle light. The scriptures are then read, along with beautifully sung hymns. (Hello, Go down Moses!)
And when the Alleluia comes, the lights all come on and the chapel is filled with life, joy and music!
After the gospel and homily, we then proceed to the basement for the traditional baptism of the new Catholics - an inspiring mix of young and old Catholics.
These same Catholics are then welcomed upstairs by the congregation though song and greetings. This part always wells my heart and leaves me teary-eyed.
The mass then concludes, and Mark and I walk off to Roppongi to have dinner.
It's been years since we spent Easter Vigils this way. We were hoping to do it this year. But this will have to wait when all this is over. For tonight, Easter Vigil was spent hearing mass on-line at The Manila Cathedral.
Until then, I have these memories to bring a smile on Easter night.
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