“The Lord is Risen!” “He is Risen, indeed!” This wonderful affirmation of the Christian faith is used as a greeting during the Easter Season in many countries of the Orthodox faith. It reflects how this central mystery of our belief should permeate every aspect of our daily lives, including the simple greeting we give to one another.
So important is the Feast of Easter for Christians, that the Church sets aside eight days for its celebration in what is called, “the Octave of Easter.” Each of these days is celebrated liturgically as a “Feastday,” with the Gloria prescribed for each day at Mass, as well as the ‘double Alleluia’ at the Dismissal, and the Te Deum or Hymn of Praise in the Office of Readings. It is, as if, one day alone, cannot capture the fullness of the meaning of this pivotal day in the life of the Christian Church.
Once the Octave is completed, the Church continues its Easter rejoicing in the 50 days of the Easter Season that is concluded on the Solemnity of Pentecost.
The Risen Lord’s continues to invigorate the life and mission of the Church in his greatest legacy to us, the Holy Eucharist. On the night before he died, the Lord Jesus left us a lasting memorial of his presence. From time immemorial, the Lord’s Eucharistic presence has shaped our identity as Christians and continues to be a focus in adoration for praise and thanksgiving.
Every Catholic Church reverently reserves the Eucharistic Bread remaining after the celebration of Mass so that it can be taken to the sick and homebound, as well as be a focus for intimate adoration in prayer.
In the planning for the Eucharistic chapel in the future Christ Cathedral, great care has been exercised in the design of this important place for Eucharistic worship of the Reserved Sacrament. The tabernacle for the chapel was crafted by the renowned German liturgical artist, Egino Weinert, of Cologne, Germany. I first became acquainted with his work while during post-graduate studies in Belgium in the late 70’s. The following video explains in greater detail this exquisite enhancement to our future Cathedral.
Since the time of this video, further developments and revisions have taken place in the architectural plans for the Cathedral layout. The Sacrament Chapel will no longer be situated in the area behind the Bishop’s Chair, but rather to the East of the Cathedral proper in an area more spacious and prominent. It is in an ideal position that will be readily accessible to all who may wish to visit and pray.