The birettas are being readied for the 7:00pm outdoor Mass on the Feast of the Assumption. That's right, I said birettas, as in plural. I just got word from Fr. Perrone, that - weather permitting - it will be a Solemn High Mass, with all the splendor and majesty.
This should be interesting given the tight quarters inside the Grotto sanctuary. It gives me yet another reason to capture it all this year. Last year was the 175th anniversary of the parish, and this year the first Solemn High Mass celebrated in over 40 years, or perhaps the first ever. I don't know the history, but I will try to find out.
Update on Adoration
Fr. Perrone's message back to me on the specifics of Adoration is as follows:
Exposition will be in the church after the 9:30 a.m. Mass until the 3:00 p.m. outdoors Blessing of the sick, at which time the Blessed Sacrament will repose outdoors at the Grotto. Exposition will close there after the Benediction.
Do take advantage of time to sit in total silence before the Eucharist, either between the 9:30am and 3:00pm slot, or after Our Lord is placed down by the Grotto. Dominus Est: It is the Lord!
As a reminder to those who have never been to Adoration, there is a protocol in terms of reverence to be shown.
The first sign of reverence is total silence. This is truly a beautiful thing in ancient Catholic devotion for modern culture where cell-phones, iPODS, TV's, Blackberries, and other devices keep our minds constantly occupied to the point that God asks, "Hello? Is anybody there?" We simply cannot hear His voice among the other noises. Traditional Catholics aren't prudes in not talking in Church or during adoration. They are simply giving Him their full attention.
Another sign of reverence is posture. How many will enter in Church and acknowledge everyone around them, but never acknowledge the Lord? In apostolic times, many disciples would fall to their knees before Jesus. Why not acknowledge Him by genuflecting with the right knee before we look to anyone else and enter a pew?
What to do when you see a Eucharist Procession?
If you should hear the bells chiming in threes and you see a procession with the Blessed Sacrament under a canopy or ombrellino, go down to one or both knees if physically able until the Blessed Sacrament passes. When entering and exiting pews or rows, a double-genuflection is in order. This is where you go down on both knees. Many will bow their heads upon kneeling or bow profoundly from the waist. If you cannot kneel, make a profound bow.
Regular Holy Hour Opporunities at Grotto
It is recommended that Catholics make a regular holy hour in Adoration, even if you can make it only once weekly. Ask one of the sisters you will see around Assumption Grotto about the Adoration Chapel there at the convent - hours and days. Remember what Our Lord said to his apostles: Won't you watch one hour with me?
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