Holy Week

Holy Week 

I was really looking forward to Holy Week in Haiti. We were able to attend Morning Prayer at 6:00 Saturday morning. We tried to learn some songs with the children’s choir led by Georgette. We listened to the youth choir later in the afternoon. I am sorry that I didn’t take any pictures but I knew how beautiful everyone would be dressed up for Palm Sunday Mass. Instead of attending services on the mountain, we did lots of praying in and on route to hospitals. Our prayers were answered in so many ways. We did not wash each other’s feet. As a matter of fact Gail and I spent three days without even changing clothes or evening taking off our shoes. Gail was afraid that she would not be able to get her shoes back on her swollen feet. But the nurses at both hospitals washed Caroline with care and Gail and I wiped her down with wet cloths when the ice packs were not enough to lower her fever. When we returned to Macon, Good Friday service and Easter Sunday were very emotional for us all. One of the Easter readings Isaiah 25: 6-9 6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. 9 In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him;let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” The people of the mountain village of Trouin – prepared feasts for us everyday. We were miles, difficult miles away, and yet they brought us food to the hospitals. They encouraged us and prayed with us and told us to trust in the Lord. The Prayers of People on Easter (Form VI in the Book of Common Prayer) I am adding my personal prayers to what we prayed on EAster. Form VI The Leader and People pray responsively In peace, we pray to your, Lord God. Silence For all people of Haiti in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. For the community of Trouin, the nation of Haiti, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace. For the just and proper use of your creation; For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression. For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy, especially the doctors and nurses in Haiti. For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth. For Bishop Duracin and for all bishops and other ministers, for Pere Kesner Ajax and Pere Michaud Fruitho, priest in charge at Saint Marc, Trouin, for Moise his assistant seminarian, for Salien, principal of Saint Marc school; For all who serve God in his Church, and all the parishionners of Saint Marc, Trouin For the special needs and concerns of this congregation. Silence The People may add their own petitions Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Latin carol, 14th cent. Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly king, Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia! But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia! Now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia! Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as his love; Alleluia! Praise him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!