Today has been a day of firsts for me.
It was my first German Mass.
It was my first Corpus Christi Procession.
It was my first time going to the town of Bann and it's Church.
There were good moments, and some not so good moments, but I am so glad I decided to go.
The Church was beautiful all on its own, yet the people had laid flowers everywhere. On the sidewalks, in windows, driveways, doorways, everywhere was filled with flowers. Yellow and white flags were everywhere too.
Inside the Church, they had everything set up for the procession. We arrived about 30 minutes early, since I was very worried about getting lost and missing the whole thing. There were only a handful of people inside, but the Church quickly filled with people, mostly older folks, some smiling at my children, some casting weary glances at them. I put on my veil and knelt to pray. For that moment, everything was so lovely. Peter and Therese required that I leave about midway through Mass. We stood outside the open doors and peered in until it was time for Communion.
I will admit that I did not understand much of the procession, but it was beautiful anyway. I am pretty sure there were some children who made their First Holy Communion today and they had baskets of flower petals that they strew on the ground as we walked to two different altars along the way. On almost every driveway or sidewalk of each house, there was a statue of Mary or Jesus. I was filled with joy as I looked upon all the care taken to make this procession special. Like I said, I did not understand what was being said, and this was the first procession I have ever attended, so I am not much help in educating you on what we witnessed. But here it is through my lens...
It was my first German Mass.
It was my first Corpus Christi Procession.
It was my first time going to the town of Bann and it's Church.
There were good moments, and some not so good moments, but I am so glad I decided to go.
The Church was beautiful all on its own, yet the people had laid flowers everywhere. On the sidewalks, in windows, driveways, doorways, everywhere was filled with flowers. Yellow and white flags were everywhere too.
Inside the Church, they had everything set up for the procession. We arrived about 30 minutes early, since I was very worried about getting lost and missing the whole thing. There were only a handful of people inside, but the Church quickly filled with people, mostly older folks, some smiling at my children, some casting weary glances at them. I put on my veil and knelt to pray. For that moment, everything was so lovely. Peter and Therese required that I leave about midway through Mass. We stood outside the open doors and peered in until it was time for Communion.
I will admit that I did not understand much of the procession, but it was beautiful anyway. I am pretty sure there were some children who made their First Holy Communion today and they had baskets of flower petals that they strew on the ground as we walked to two different altars along the way. On almost every driveway or sidewalk of each house, there was a statue of Mary or Jesus. I was filled with joy as I looked upon all the care taken to make this procession special. Like I said, I did not understand what was being said, and this was the first procession I have ever attended, so I am not much help in educating you on what we witnessed. But here it is through my lens...
Beautiful. I love that the procession was embraced by so many because of the size of the community. I think we have lost that in our country. I haven't seen it since I was a young girl. What a joy just to witness it!
ReplyDeleteOh, Barbara! That is just the sentiment I was feeling today. I feel like we have somehow been shortchanged on our faith. What happened to all the Feasts, Processions, and the like?
DeleteWow Jenny, you are so fortunate to be able to witness and participate in such a beautiful event. It is amazing and inspirational! That gives me more courage to go to Mass even though I don't understand everything or know very many people yet. You are living an amazing life, my friend.
ReplyDelete