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☆j [☆ The"^ Diocese of Savannah Sou hern OSS Vol. 81, No. 16 Thursday, April 19, 2001 $.50 PER ISSUE “Christ has conquered, glory fills you” By Father Douglas K. Clark n Catholic churches throughout world, the solemn celebrations of the Lord’s death and resurrection took place last weekend. In the Diocese of Savannah, the sacred rites of the Easter Triduum were carried out in every parish, from the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist to the smallest mission. Thousands gathered to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s supper in commemoration of the night of Christ’s betrayal, when he instituted the sacrament of his sacrifice, the Eucharist, and washed his disciples’ feet as a sign of love and service. This evening Mass is the Mass of Good Friday, according to ancient Jewish and Christian reckoning, by which a new day begins when the sun goes down. Prolonging the observance of the Lord’s death “for our salvation,” the Afternoon Liturgy of the Passion was celebrated on Good Friday. In this unique rite, the Passion accord ing to Saint John is proclaimed, solemn prayers of intercession are offered, the Cross is venerated and Holy Communion is given, under one kind only, with hosts previously consecrated at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Stations of the Cross, a popular devotion, were also offered in many parishes. Once the sun goes down on Good Friday, the solemn public liturgies are supposed to cease until the Easter Vigil Mass, after sun down on Saturday, in keeping with the Gospel recollection that the saving events of Christ’s death (Friday) and resurrection (Sunday) took place before and after—but not on—the Hebrew Sabbath (Saturday). Christ’s Sabbath rest occurred in the tomb. At the Easter Vigil Mass, the new Easter Candle, used at baptisms, is lit from the new fire, the Easter Proclamation is chanted, major moments in salvation history are proclaimed from the Scriptures, culminating with the Re surrection narrative, and new members are brought into the Church and the life of grace by Baptism, Confirmation and the celebration of the Eucharist. Throughout the day on Easter, the faithful gather in large numbers to com memorate the Father’s immense love in raising his beloved Son to life for our salvation. The Easter Season continues for 50 days, until it concludes with the Solemnity of Pentecost, celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. Top: Bishop J. Kevin Boland washes the feet of 12 parishioners at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist on April 12. Above left: The crucifix at the Cathedral being unveiled for veneration on Good Friday. Above right: Father Francis J. Nelson, V.G., blesses the new fire at Saint Frances Cabrini Church, Savannah. % S3 Saint James the Less —see page 3 Killed in our name —see page 4 Annual financial report —see pages 6-7