HOLY EASTER TRIDUUM

As Cardinal Mercier said : "When prudence is everywhere, courage is nowhere." From Cardinal Sarah : "In order to avoid hearing God's music, we have chosen to use all the devices of this world. But heaven's instruments will not stop playing just because some people are deaf." Saint John-Paul II wrote: "The fact that one can die for the faith shows that other demands of the faith can also be met." Cardinal Müller says, “For the real danger to today’s humanity is the greenhouse gases of sin and the global warming of unbelief and the decay of morality when no one knows and teaches the difference between good and evil.” St Catherine of Siena said, “We've had enough exhortations to be silent. Cry out with a thousand tongues - I see the world is rotten because of silence.” Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” Brethren, Wake up!

HOLY EASTER TRIDUUM

Since 2003 the Holy Easter Triduum has been celebrated each year by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the Conventual Church, as part of a spiritual retreat. These ceremonies are open to all.

The office of Tenebræ is celebrated each morning, and the Liturgies celebrated solemnly. Spiritual conferences are given each day by one of the chaplains to deepen our understanding of these Sacred Mysteries.

Below are some photographs of the ceremonies in 2007 and 2008, the first showing the procession of the Blessed Sacrament leaving the church at night on its way to the Altar of Repose.

The Good Friday veneration of the Cross is emphasised by the gaunt character of the denuded church.

The Easter Fire is blessed in the Hospital courtyard, as the Paschal Candle is prepared.

The glories of the Resurrection are celebrated at the Mass of the Easter Vigil, as all the majesty returns to the Church's Rites.

Surrexit Dominus vere, Alleluia.

PRAYER OF THE ORDER OF MALTA

Lord Jesus, Thou hast seen fit to enlist me for Thy service among the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. I humbly entreat Thee through the intercession of the most holy Virgin of Philermo, of St John the Baptist, Blessed Gerard and all the Saints, to keep me faithful to the traditions of our Order. Be it mine to practise and defend the Catholic, the Apostolic, the Roman faith against the enemies of religion: be it mine to practise charity towards my neighbours, especially the poor and the sick; Give me the strength I need to carry out this my resolve, forgetful of myself, learning ever from Thy holy Gospel a spirit of deep and generous Christian devotion, striving ever to promote God’s glory, the world’s peace, and all that may benefit the Order of St John of Jerusalem. AMEN