Pope presides over trimmed Easter Vigil service
Source: AP
VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis celebrated a trimmed back Easter Vigil service Saturday after having reached out to Muslims and women during a Holy Week in which he began to put his mark on the Catholic Church.
Francis processed into a darkened and silent St. Peter's Basilica at the start of the service, in which the faithful recall the period between Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday.
One of the most dramatic moments of the Easter Vigil service that usually follows when the pope would share the light of his candle with others until the entire basilica twinkled was shortened this year as were some of the Old Testament readings.
The Vatican has said these provisions were in keeping with Francis' aim to not have his Masses go on too long. The Easter Vigil service under Benedict XVI would typically run nearly three hours. The new pope has made clear he prefers his Masses short and to the point: he was even caught checking his watch during his March 19 installation ceremony. Saturday was no different: The vigil ended just shy of 2.5 hours.
Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/pope-presides-over-trimmed-easter-vigil-200621332.html
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Or is that on St. Patrick's Day?
nilram
(2,879 posts)which were hidden so the pope scampered around the basilica to find.
No Vested Interest
(5,156 posts)for the shortening of services.
Has anyone else noticed that Pope Francis seems to have a little trouble walking?
It's my guess that he has bad knees and/or bad feet.
Likely has not had knee replacements as he still kneels. (Those with knee replacements are advised not to kneel.)
If he has bad knees he has my full sympathy - Mine have been replaced- no kneeling for me.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)I doubt he would get the knee surgery since he didn't get a lung transplant. I wouldn't be doing what he's doing daily, myself.
No Vested Interest
(5,156 posts)though obviously he'd have to have been careful throughout his life not to abuse it.
People with one kidney seem to get by well enough.
I think I've heard it mentioned that his voice is rather quiet - perhaps that also has to do with having one lung.
You're probably correct, though, that with one lung he's not a great candidate for surgery, especially elective surgery, which knee replacement is considered to be.
Not to mention having 76+ yrs of life weighing on his body.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)I find myself amazed at people who just keep to one thing their entire lives, especially if it's good for them or others. They are like arrows that keep going straight ahead until they reach the end of their lives.
He had tumultous times in his life and is continuing on what he believes is his mission. Something bigger than himself, which is a strong motivator.
ForgoTheConsequence
(4,846 posts)How is it late breaking news?
Let me predict some more news for you.
Memorial Day
Fathers Day
Fourth of July
Now if the Pope debuted the new Iphone with higher resolution or invented a zero calorie pizza, that would be some news.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)JI7
(89,173 posts)and i think people are watching to see if and how he might be different from others. and just what direction he will lead in.