Friday, April 10, 2009

The Liturgy of Good Friday from St. Peter's Basilica

While the NLM does not expect any significant liturgical variation in this year's Good Friday ceremonies with Pope Benedict XVI from previous years, nonetheless, it seems extraordinarly worthwhile to provide some live coverage of the ceremonies in question -- the most important ceremonies of the liturgical year.









At this point, having gone through the opening prayer, first reading, psalm and second reading, the entire liturgy has been done in chant and Latin.




(The three deacons prepare to chant the Passion)


("Passio Domini nostri Iesu Christi...")




(All kneel at the announcement of the death of Our Lord Jesus Christ)


(The homily, delivered by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM.Cap, preacher to the papal household)


(The Veneration of the Cross)


("Ecce lignum crucis." The gradual unveiling of the Cross.)




(The Holy Father removes his chasuble and shoes and venerates the Cross)




(The Communion rite)


(The Cardinals received Holy Communion from the Holy Father -- standing and upon the tongue.)


(Incidentally, at least one Cardinal of his own accord knelt to receive Holy Communion)



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