This morning I had the loveliest experience at our church. For some months, the sanctuary in the church has been under renovation. The altar got a little bit of a facelift; the tabernacle was moved behind the altar, and a crucifix was installed. The tiles that match the ones in my kitchen were replaced with lovely marble tiles, and the whole sanctuary was raised so that there are three steps up. It’s lovely.
We’ve been taking peeks at it on Sundays and watching the progress, but travel kept me away this past weekend and I didn’t see the painting finished last week. Or the installation of the crucifix.
I decided to go to mass this morning so I could stay and have a little holy hour. At the end, I was surprised by the announcement that we were going to have a Eucharistic Procession to the church to bless the tabernacle and crucifix, followed by Adoration.
Oh, my! What a delightful surprise!
It was beautiful. The moment when Father placed the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle for the first time brought tears to my eyes. The whole experience was too lovely for words, and a part of me was reluctant to take pictures so I could be present in the moment. I’m glad I didn’t distract myself trying to frame a shot.
Later, when everyone was gone, I took a quick picture to share with my husband. The moment was more precious than even gold. The yellow sunlight brightened everything on the altar. Brighter than the sun, is the Son.