Today is the feast of St John the Apostle.
...According to Maria von Trapp, it was customary in Austria and other places to bring wine or cider to church on this day so that the priest could give this blessing after Mass. Later that night, the wine is poured into everyone’s glass before dinner. The father then takes his glass, touches it to the mother’s and says, “I drink to you the love of St. John,” to which the mother replies, “I thank you for the love of St. John.” Both take a sip before the mother turns to the oldest child and repeats the ritual, at which point the child turns to the next oldest, etc. The last one to receive St. John’s love gives it back to the father, thus closing the family circle....
That's due to the legend that St John was given a poisoned cup of wine. He didn't know that, of course, but he blessed the cup before drinking it as was his custom, and no harm befell him.
Invited to Latin Midnight candle light Mass in FSSP parish and I loved it.
ReplyDeleteMusic was superb for first hour
Music was in Latin and English
Choir consisted of about 20 people
Also There was a violin, a base, a guitar, and of course a Church Organ.
All music took place in the choir loft.
The Organ piece played in the beginning of mass made you realize what the church organ was made for.....
Mass lasted hour & half
over 60 candles that I counted
This did not include that everyone had a personal candle while in the pews... It raised the temperature in that old church.
11 Alter boys, no alter girls.. the choreography and training was perfect. They knew their business, and the priest did not redirect them at all.
Priest vestments were ornate and beautiful
Woman wore mantillas
Men wore Jackets and ties
No tennis shoes to be seen
Apparently most families seem to home school in this parish and families were large, Kids everywhere. Actually more young people than old.
Mass was over at 1:30 AM
and Today? Since you brought up wine.....
In that parishes weekly bulletin it is noted that a special blessing of the wine will take place after mass in celebration of the feast day of St John the Apostle and all should bring their wine for the blessing after mass...
What a treat.