The Ethiopians are back ...

The Bride and Groom leaving at 11:30 AM.

The limo pulled up after this shot*

A wedding.

At 6:30 AM they were outside the church with torches and chanting and singing and drumming - when a stretch limo dropped off the bridegroom ...  They processed into the church with lighted torches.  It was so Biblical.  It is almost 11:00 AM and they are still there.

The wedding was part of the Liturgy.  The community celebrated the wedding.  It. Is. So. Scriptural!

The chant this morning was awesome - it reminded me of the Carthusian chant - solemn, low, monotone.

The Ethiopians even 'dance' a little.  They sing and chant.  They applaud.  But their reverence and adoration is awesome.  Talk about 'active participation'.  I mentioned before they wear coverings over their clothes - white, the women often wear traditional Ethiopian clothes and veil.  At first glance they all look like Missionaries of Charity in white saris.

Google photo.

Catholic liturgists could learn so much - especially about restoring the traditional solemnity of the  Roman Rite.  No need to add modern fluff to an already magnificent liturgy.

As for the wedding - I didn't see any special 'bridal touches' by the 'bridal party' - if you know what I mean.  No special environmental touches or romantic decor added to the liturgical celebration.  They may do such things in larger churches or other places, I just didn't see anything like that today.

The Apostle St. Philip and the Ethiopian.

*I cropped the photo since the church is on the alley and all you see is a row of garages.  We've had so many storms - most of the boulevard trees are gone - so it looks unlandscaped.