The Easter Triduum is the most important event of the entire liturgical year of the Catholic Church, and commemorates the most important event in the Catholic faith. By meditating on Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection, it reminds all to convert to the love of God that leads to His salvation. Although the Procession of the Lord's Burial is not part of the liturgy in the Holy Week and it is only a custom of the local church, the Cathedral of Macau has been practicing this procession on Good Friday for more than a century.
Origin
The Procession of the Lord's Burial on Good Friday is a Catholic tradition introduced by the Portuguese. It is still practiced in various cities throughout Portugal and Brazil. St Joseph’s Church in Singapore (which was under the Diocese of Macao until 1999) also has this tradition on Good Friday.
Intention
The procession recalls the Gospel character Joseph of Arimathea, who took the body of Jesus and buried Him after His death on the Cross (Mt 27:57-60; Mk 15:43-46; Jn 19:38-40). The procession allows the faithful to meditate on the suffering of Christ our Saviour, and at the same time expresses to the passersby that “The Savior has died for us today.”
Route
The procession begins after the liturgy of the Lord’s Passion. The procession departs from Sé Catedral, and passes through Travessa do Roquete, Largo do Senado, Igreja de São Domingos, Rua de São Domingos, Travessa do Bispo, and finally returns to Sé Catedral.
The Order of Procession
The procession follows the order of a large-scale burial ceremony: the servers and supporters of the liturgy; the Corpse (Jesus); main celebrant and clergy, family members of the deceased (Mary, Mother of Jesus, Our Lady of Sorrows), the guard of honor, and the faithful. Black is the color of the funeral and of the procession. The solemn scene is accompanied by the Macao Police Band playing Chopin’s Funeral March from Piano Sonata No. 2.
【Source】O Clarim
【Photography】Ivan Leong ©️ O Clarim
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