I slept in today as I have the evening Mass. It is very cold and I just didn’t want to get out of my nice warm bed. I didn’t go over to the office till around 10.
I tried to clean my desk but am over whelmed and just don’t know where to start, so I spent much of today playing spider solitaire. I did have to go up at 3pm and expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration and at 5pm I went up again, did benediction, and reposed the Blessed Sacrament. I also presided at the 5:30pm Mass. It was a special Mass in that it is called the Raposa Mass. It was a custom in Germany and many of the Eastern European countries that on certain days of the week during Advent, a Mass would be offered before Dawn by candlelight in honor our Lady who was to bring forth to our dark world, the Light of Christ. So our sanctuary was lit only by candles all around the place. I think there were some light in the body of the church, so people wouldn’t trip but it was very peaceful and reflective. Many of the choir members came and sang the Goria in Latin, which many of us could join in. I think it was the one we use to sing in the seminary. There must have been about 250 there and there was a picture of Our Lady of Guadeloupe surrounded by candles that we incensed during the offertory as the Ave Maria was sung. I think it was a warm and prayerful experience before we had to return to the darkness, the wind, and the cold outside. I really enjoyed it. Salve, Salve Regina.
You must have a good Liturgy Committee based on the “touches” you report. I, too, love the candle effect!