Written by Debra Reynolds
Our Religious Affairs Correspondent
Sunday 27th March – Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Events in Soller at Parròquia de Sant Bartomeu in the square begin at 9.30 a.m. with the procession I described in my previous article on the brotherhoods and the processions. This is a very joyful celebration of the resurrection. The solemn drum music of the Thursday and Friday processions is no longer heard. Rather, there is a full band playing celebratory music. The brotherhoods attend but they no longer wear their penitential robes. The focus of the parade is on two “pasos” or floats: one bearing a large statue of the Risen Christ and the other bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary. They each appear from opposite corners of the square and meet in the middle, amidst much jubilation from the onlookers. The procession then moves into the Church for the Mass at 10.00 a.m.
The Church is festooned with flowers and light (both from candles and all the chandeliers – symbols of life and joy). There is a tremendous sense of excitement within the Church. The Gospel reading is John’s account of the discovery of the empty tomb. His story stresses the proof that the tomb really was empty, for the apostles examine the evidence carefully. (Other accounts concentrate more on the message that the apostles will meet the Risen Lord in Galilee). It was important to establish the tomb was empty to prevent people claiming that the meetings with Christ following his resurrection were ghost appearances. Thus, the faithful can celebrate the fulfilment of their faith: the promise of new life, both in this world and the next.
HAPPY EASTER!
