Best viewed enlarged. Top Left: Naxxar Church; Top Right: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sliema; Bottom Left: Stella Maris church, Sliema; Bottom Right: St Patrick's Salesians of Don Bosco School, Sliema.
After evening Holy Mass which commemorated the Last Supper of the Lord before his Crucifixion and included the washing by the celebrant of the feet of 12 persons representing the 12 Apostles the Holy Eucharist was transported in procession to the Altar of Repose for the adoration of the faithful. The tradition in the catholic society is for the faithful to visit 7 different Altars of Repose in as much different churches. This tradition seems to have originated in Rome, where early pilgrims visited the seven major basilicas to do penance. Pope Boniface VIII revived the pilgrimage tradition in 1300 with the establishment of the Jubilee Year, and Rome became a centre for pilgrimages. Another opinion is that this is done to honor the Seven wounds of Christ.
In Malta, one may make these visits in a group led by a person holding up high a wooden cross and during the walk from one church to another the rosary is said (This tradition has almost faded out) . Those who still keep this tradition on their own and make the visits with their immediate family. Others, especially the aged, prefer to attend an hour’s adoration organised in the same church. Unfortunately there are also youngsters who could not be even bothered with these celebrations.
Many thanks for looking and for your lovely comments on yesterday’s picture.
lovely collage - I didn't know about the visits to 7 churches, but then I've never lived anywhere that's possible. The church here offers prayers at the altar of repose from after the last supper service on Maundy Thursday to midnight - when a sung compline service is held
Beautiful pageantry. A similar type of service is held in some Protestant churches here called "The Seven Words". With Scripture and song those words are remembered and contemplated. Other churches will hold a Tennbrae Service where the final night of Christ is remembered through Scripture reading and music with the lights being dimmed at intervals to symbolize the sins of the world being placed on Christ and the desertion of His disciples.
I attend the traditional Latin Mass here in the USA. I am in the choir so we sing during all the beautiful and solemn ceremonies of Holy Week. Your photos are beautiful!
