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.
