Unlike the altars in our churches nowadays, chapels in these 4 papal basilicas had their altar tables were made during the 'pre-Vatican II' times when the priest presider wasn't facing the congregation.
It was Trinity Sunday and the priest mentioned in his homily that it's only our Christian faith that believes in a Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In that chapel is an old wooden statue of St Paul who once wrote: "The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Sounds familiar? Yes, it is used as one of the greetings the priest says at the start of Mass. Indeed we are blessed, according to that American priest, to have one God in three persons - a God who gave life to us (Father), who saves us (Son), who empowers us (Holy Spirit). He asked us to pray that one day all faiths would come to realize this.
Though God has 3 distinct persons, He is still one. And during The Lord's Prayer we all held each others' hands to celebrate that unity of God, a unity that He intends His people to imbibe. As we were just a few attendees in the Eucharistic celebration, it felt more warm and personal to walk freely to shake hands during the Offering of Peace. One of the lady pilgrims greeted Nidz and wished her and the baby well.
We didn't take any photos in that place for we felt it was so solemn that no photo could ever capture.
After the Mass, that lady who greeted Nidz had a chat with us. We learned that they all were from the same family based in America and the priest is her nephew who was ordained in April of this year. The priest actually had a twin brother who was also in that group! She expressed gratefulness that we joined them in the Mass. We also thanked them for welcoming us in this holy celebration.
That Mass, like any other, was an occasion of oneness when people of various colors and races (i.e. Americans, British-Filipinos) came together to adore God.
Up Next: Popes and Flowers
No comments:
Post a Comment