Throughout the Triduum, after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the bells (an instrument of joy) is silenced and the sober “Clapper” announces the liturgical hours. The choir rubrics for the monks are pared down to the simplest and most silent postures and gestures.
For the intrepid there is a special Good Friday Vigils at 3:30 AM celebrated in the dark. The Abbot presides at Good Friday Vigils employing ancient prayers and the psalms are offered by individual psalmists; it is a stark and meditative liturgy. The community reconvenes to chant Lauds at 7:00 AM.
The Good Friday Psalter is celebrated at 11:00 AM; booklets are provided for the participation of both the monks and guests.
Midday Prayer is chanted at 2:00 PM.
At 4:30 PM we celebrate the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion. The service begins with the Liturgy of the Word culminating in the Reading of Christ’s Passion according to St. John; this is completed by the universal prayers of petition. The second part of the afternoon service is the Veneration of the cross accompanied by the singing of the “Reproaches” inspired by the Prophecy of Malachi. The service concludes with Holy Communion and the removal of the Blessed Sacrament from the Church and the total stripping of the church.
Compline at 7:30 PM concludes the day’s worship.
Leave a Reply