Holy Saturday: Pause before the Vigil - Photos from Chrism Mass, Way of the Cross

This rich mosaic of the anointing of the Body of Jesus is found in the entrance to the Holy Sepulchre, as one decides whether to turn left to the monument to the Resurrection or to the right to Calvary. It is new; I don't remember seeing it on my first visit to Church placed on top of where the Paschal Mystery was realized in the 1970s but I did see it in my Summer 2007 visit to the Holy Land. The contemplation of this tender scene is fitting for this day of quiet time of reflection before the outburst of light and joy with lighting of the new fire and the proclamation of the Paschal Proclamation (Exsultet).

The WAY OF THE CROSS (Fourteenth Station): Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb

Remember your mercies, O Lord, and with eternal protection sanctify your servants, for whom Christ your Son, by shedding his Blood, established the Paschal Mystery. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

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Photos of the Chrism Mass

Thanks to Mr. Heri Riesbach for these photos of the Chrism Mass and of the festive dinner beforehand:

Félicitations Abbé Paul-Yvon Ménard prêtre pour 55 ans en 2010

Congratulating Fr. Pedro Arana, ordained by Pope Paul VI in Manila, on 40 years of priestly service this year

Blessing the Oil of the Sick

Pouring the balsam into the olive oil, readying the Sacred Chrism

Breathing upon the Sacred Chrism mixture before the consecratory prayer in which all the priests join in

Abbé Daniel Berniquez collects the parish name cards as I distribute the newly-consecrated oils to parish representatives at the close of Mass

A young representative from St. Isidore's, Kanata

Holy oils for St. Patrick's Basilica

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Photos of the Third Annual Way of the Cross, sponsored by Communion and Liberation, held on April 2, 2010 (more will be posted on Monday):

The Knights of Columbus arranged the security detail and traffic marshalls

At the Veterans Memorial (Lyon and Sparks Streets)

The Cross leads, Jesus' disciples follow

Leaving the Supreme Court to head for Parliament Hill

André Potworowski, chief organizer of the CL Way of the Cross

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The Easter Vigil will welcome the Light of Christ into the lives of Catechumens and rekindle the spart in the lives of those who made the Lenten journey of renewal.

"Let the Light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of heart and mind"