From Benediction to Barnabas

Last evening the faithful celebrated Corpus Christi in grand Catholic-style. About 150 parishioners were in attendance at the hour-long service. The air was thick with the fragrance of incense, the sound of bells, and heavenly voices adoring the LORD with hymns and prayers. O Salutaris Hostia, and Tantum Ergo resounded in the church, while verses of Bendito, Bendito and Holy God We Praise Thy Name accompanied the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Five altars around the church property were replete with flowers, candles, and sacred images. Our prayers finished, we gathered in the parish hall to enjoy marble cake with whipped cream frosting. Deo gratias!

This morning, the altar was still decorated, so I chose to say the Mass in memory of the martyr Saint Barnabas ad orientem wearing a crimson gothic vestment; the white and yellow lilies, and six candles on the altar offering a beautiful backdrop for the sacred synaxis.