But it was all worth it, especially Saturday for the Vigil Mass, when we celebrated Christ’s resurrection… so beautiful!! The Gloria was particularly amazing. The 15-ish friars who concelebrated Mass were so joy-filled, so excited to celebrate, and such an example to all of us in attendance of the effect the Resurrection should have in our own lives.
After the 3 ½ hour Mass, there were about 6 Liturgy Committee women behind stage, after doing our various tasks- starting the procession, purifying, extinguishing candles. During the second recessional hymn (there were four in total), we just all started dancing, singing, and cheering. And when a Franciscan sister came back, she joined us! One of the priests who is on liturgy committee with us came back to help with something, and he just couldn’t help but smile and join in as well. Such a celebration!
We stayed up until 4:30 am, putting everything back in the main chapel and organizing everything after the hectic week. Slowly, we finished our tasks, and found ourselves collapsing in the pews in the chapel. Two of the committee guys who are in schola (and therefore have amazing voices) were chanting random things, filling the chapel with beautiful music. Someone turned the lights down, and we sat in almost-darkness, completely worn out.
I turned to Ileana: “We should start the Salve”. She agreed, and when the guys stopped their song, she began it: “Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae…”
The 15 of us joined in, our voices meshing together into a beautiful 4-part harmony. When we finished, we sat in silence for a moment before slowly leaving, picking up our things, and going to our dorms.
Sunday, I was able to sleep in a bit, and then Grace and I went to brunch with my parents and my aunt. It was nice to be able to sit, and eat, and talk without having to watch the clock for having to go back to work.
Easter afternoon, many Committee members gathered at the Student Head of Liturgy’s house for dinner. Someone brought delicious marinated lamb, there was bread, and dip, and cheesy potatoes, and so many desserts. After a couple hours, there were 11 of us left, and we sat around exchanging liturgical stories (of course) and laughing until our stomachs hurt. It was a wonderful time of community with some incredible people.
Sometimes I don’t understand why I’ve been given this gift of committee. Because as much work as it is, it’s a blessing to be able to serve with them.