12.25.05
Midnight Mass
Midnight Mass at the duomo in Perugia. My teammates, Josh and Marcus, and I went up to the center just after 11 PM last night for midnight mass. All the bells from all the bell towers in the center began ringing just before midnight. We walked in the door and found every seat filled - standing room only.
The mass was just like every other mass I attended. Same order of service - perhaps a bit more flash since the Cardinal was present. Of course, the number of people there had drastically increased. Most services have but a handful of people present.
At the end of every Catholic service the priest turns to the audience and says something like, “Go in peace.” The final songs starts, the priest and altar boys head down the aisle, and the service is over. Last night, at the end, the priest turned to the crowd, and said “Andate in pace” (go in peace). But instead of waiting for the priests to head towards the back, the crowd instantly began talking, gathering coats, and heading for the door. An usher had to clear a path for the processional. And I couldn’t help but be struck with the idea that everyone present had fulfilled their obligations. And inaudible whistle blew - punch your timecards - you’ve done your duty for the year.
And I long for the crowds to know something more. To see Christ and His church not as a duty to fulfill, but a relationship to explore.