 |
| St Paul’ s Anglican Cathedral, Blantyre |
|
|
MAUNDY THURSDAY: MORNING
On Maundy Thursday at 9am the clergy gathered in the Cathedral for a special service to renew their vows of obedience; at this same service the Holy Oils are blessed, to be used in anointing the sick and dying. A small congregation witnessed this occasion and shared in the Eucharist. In words to his team, Bishop James urged them to lead God’s flock, tend his people, and spread His word. Afterwards it was time for some food and fellowship amongst the clergy before they set off to lead Eastertide worship in their parishes. |
 |
| The Priests renew their vows |
|
|
 |
| The Bishop blesses the Holy Oils |
|
|
 |
| The Eucharist is consecrated |
|
|
 |
| the priests receive the Eucharist |
|
|
 |
| Their vows renewed, the priests leave in procession to take up Easter duties in their parishes |
|
|
MAUNDAY THURSDAY : EVENING
Evening service at St Paul’s Cathedral was a mixture of Chichewa and English. A solemn service ending in silence commemorates Our Lord’s institution of the last supper; during which he washed the feet of his disciples as a token of his service to humanity. To signify this, the Bishop removes his colourful outer garments, ties up his surplice, and washes the feet of 12 members of the congregation.
After Eucharist, as the consecrated elements were taken in solemn procession to the sanctuary, there was a power cut! This sudden and absolute darkness made a dramatic impact as the altar was stripped by candlelight, and in silence. As we left the Church, people took their places to start a vigil rota which would continue until midnight. |
 |
| Good Friday at 07.45am. the Archdeacon waits to greet Bishop James |
|
|
 |
| Bishop James leads the walk of witness from Limbe to Chichiri Parish Church |
|
|
 |
| Marking the stations of the cross. Witness at the second station |
|
|
GOOD FRIDAY MORNING PROCESSION: see separate story for more details.
GOOD FRIDAY : AFTERNOON
On Good Friday , after processing for 3 hours, the gathered congregations proceeed into St Matthews Church Chichiri to comtemplate the seven words from the Cross, and hear evensong. |
|
EASTER SATURDAY
On Easter Saturday, we wait quietly until it is time for Easter vigil liturgies .
A small congregation gatered at St Paul’s for the Easter vigil mass and celebration of new fire. The congregation stands outside in the rain.. as “New fire” is started and blessed, then follows the light into the darkened Church. We watch in silence as the priests light the paschal candle from this fire. Then the congregation echoes as the priest calls out several times the words “THE LIGHT OF CHRIST”. Each member then approaches the altar with a candle to receive this new light for themselves, from the paschal flame.. The liturgy then asks us to renew our baptismal vows, before partaking in the first Eucharist of Easter accompanied by choruses from a choir of young people . |
 |
| Easter Sunday, the bishop and attendants arrive for 7.30am Eucharist at St Paul’s Cathedral |
|
|
EASTER SUNDAY : CHRIST IS RISEN : ALLELULIA
Easter day at St Paul’s starts with a 7.30 am mass in English. The church is decorated with beautiful flowers, the vestments colourful and the music joyful. For this visitor from Scotland it was also lovely to join in familiar Easter hymns and hear yet again that wonderful story of Mary Magdalene meeting the Risen Christ in the Garden.
From the adjoining hall we hear young voices singing. As the first congregation prepares to leave the Cathedral precinct, a procession of uniformed women’s groups comes down the street, leading the Dean and Bishop in to start the next service.. this time in Chichewa. |
 |
| The Bishop dispenses Holy water |
|
|
 |
| The 7.30am service ends. Now the Dean and bishop must prepare for the main 9.30am service in Chichewa. |
|
|
 |
| Processing down the road for the 09.30am Easter day service |
|
|
 |
| ....first come St Agnes Guild members |
|
|
 |
| ....Daughters of the King |
|
|
 |
| …then the Mother’s Union |
|
|
 |
| Finally the Dean, the Wardens and the Bishop |
|
|
 |
| The Bishop re-enters St Paul’s for a second great celebration of Eucharist and rejoicing…. “Christ is Risen indeed. Alleluia! “ |
|
|
