Yes, there was blessing of the throats for Saint Blaise at our parish after all the Masses. Only priests and the soon-to-be ordained-as-priests deacons administered the blessing. It was done at the altar rail while the person knelt.
After I received the blessing I returned to my pew and watched a while as families came up with kids in tow, usually holding the little ones in their arms, and thought back to my own youth receiving the blessing. I remember as a kid thinking that the blessing must be very important since my mom and dad got the blessing too, and I can remember it impacted me because I received it while kneeling at the altar rail, like ashes, long before I was allowed to receive Holy Communion. Getting my throat blessed back then made me feel like I belonged and was a part of the Church.
So this Sunday as I watched the little ones having their throats blessed I considered the impact on them being a part of the ritual. It means a lot I think.
I'm glad our parish follows the traditional ways. I think it makes a difference.
That is funny that John needed to point out that the candles are not lit for the blessing. Some of the old ladies with the stiff hair spray beehives might not like it!
7 comments:
why are young, lay people administrating this sacramental? Priest sacked out on the coach watching the SuperBowl?
TJM
Agreed. 'You bless my throat and I'll bless yours.' And in a gymnasium. A quaint custom, no doubt, but in this context devoid of meaning.
They need throttling.
No , the saint wasn’t even mentioned and no blessing of the throats. Odd to think at candlmass only two candles lit.
John Nolan,
Agreed! I have been to some looney parishes in my lifetime, but I have never seen this.
Bee here:
Yes, there was blessing of the throats for Saint Blaise at our parish after all the Masses. Only priests and the soon-to-be ordained-as-priests deacons administered the blessing. It was done at the altar rail while the person knelt.
After I received the blessing I returned to my pew and watched a while as families came up with kids in tow, usually holding the little ones in their arms, and thought back to my own youth receiving the blessing. I remember as a kid thinking that the blessing must be very important since my mom and dad got the blessing too, and I can remember it impacted me because I received it while kneeling at the altar rail, like ashes, long before I was allowed to receive Holy Communion. Getting my throat blessed back then made me feel like I belonged and was a part of the Church.
So this Sunday as I watched the little ones having their throats blessed I considered the impact on them being a part of the ritual. It means a lot I think.
I'm glad our parish follows the traditional ways. I think it makes a difference.
God bless.
Bee
By the way, the candles are crossed, but not lit, which would be extremely hazardous.
That is funny that John needed to point out that the candles are not lit for the blessing. Some of the old ladies with the stiff hair spray beehives might not like it!
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