Last week we shared the portion of the guidelines that addressed Fasting, Abstinence, the Sacrament of Penance and Funerals as it relates to the Season of Lent. This week we will continue with the following:
MARRIAGES DURING THE SEASON OF LENT AND THE TRIDUUM
- Marriages during the season of Lent are not encouraged. However, if a marriage does take place, there should be a marked moderation in festivity.
- NO FLOWERS are allowed in the sanctuary.
- The celebration of marriage (and the “convalidation” of marriage) is NOT permitted during the Sacred Paschal Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday).
- If a Marriage is celebrated on a day having a penitential character, especially during Lent, the pastor should counsel the spouses to take into account the special nature of that day. (OCM 32)
COMMUNION FOR THE SICK AND VIATICUM
Communion may be brought to the sick on all days of Holy Week except Holy Saturday. On Holy Saturday, Communion may be given only as viaticum (Communion given to a person dying or in danger of death).
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The sick may be anointed on any day of Lent and throughout the Sacred Paschal Triduum in response to pastoral need.
COVERING OF STATUES AND CROSSES
- The practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from the Fifth Sunday of Lent will be observed in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. Crosses remain covered until the end of the celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, but images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil (cf. Roman Missal p.239)
- The veils are usually made of lightweight purple cloth without any decoration.
FLOWERS
- During Lent, the altar and sanctuary are not to be decorated with flowers. Exceptions to this are on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), solemnities and feasts (GIRM, 305)
The Liturgical environment should be planned using the primary Lenten color of violet, and also materials from the local natural landscape to enhance the various rites and rituals of this season, e.g. Sundays of Lent, penitential services, rites of the RICA, Stations of the Cross, etc. Thank you and may God bless us all.
