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22nd April, 2006
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Celebrating Easter in Belfast
The Belfast Community describe their celebration of the Easter Triduum:
Holy Thursday
An invitation from the L'Arche Community to join them for their Holy Thursday Community Pilgrimage to the Giant's Causeway followed by Washing of the Feet Liturgy in Ballintoy! I felt excited and very privileged to be able to join our very special neighbours from whom I continue to learn so much.
We met at the Giant's Causeway for coffee before our walk down to the sea. The wind was pretty fierce and the sun was shining. The spray from the waves was quite magnificent cascading over the rocks. There were a number of us including a 7 year old and a 6 month old baby, children of a couple in the Community. As we walked Helen held onto me to steady herself and by the end of the walk I had become her 'little friend'! That was the first time that I remember having been called 'little' for a very long time!!
The wind was so strong at times that Mary was physically blown across the road. On our return the Heavens opened and the bus came just in time to prevent us from getting drenched.
Our next stop was Ballintoy a little place with rock pools by the open sea. Here we paired off and Maria led the reflection encouraging all of us to reflect on our actions as Jesus' friends. We then washed each other's feet in a large pool and then dried them with great care. This was done in silence and was very moving. The idea had been to have a picnic but we decided to go to Corymeela (a well known centre for Peace and Reconciliation) with the picnic. On our way there, just past Ballintoy, we saw a magnificent rainbow which was literally sitting on the water. It seemed to be hovering at one point reminding me of the 'Ruah' (Breath of God)………which was truly present in this shared experience with our L'Arche friends
After our picnic in Corymeela we had a prayer of sending forth together before setting off for home in silence only broken by Taize music.
Good Friday
In the morning we gathered with many others in the Ormeau Park where ministers from the local churches led the readings and then processed to the local Presbyterian church for a joint service. This event on this beautiful sunny morning was followed by homemade hot cross buns with some friends!
I went to Clonard Monastery in the afternoon and witnessed people being lifted out of their wheelchairs with great reverence to kiss the cross. I was reminded of the man in the gospel waiting by the pool to be lifted in.
After a beautiful service with a great homily on Faith I joined the pilgrimage from Clonard going through the Falls Rd. to the Shankill. This was the third joint Pilgrimage for Peace led by Fr. Gerry Reynolds from Clonard going through two of the main conflict areas in Belfast. As we walked people stood in their doorways and children wondered what we were doing. There was a good spirit around as we followed the crosses with Peace to You written on them. We ended our journey in a little park on the Springfield Road where we had a short Prayer service ending with us joining hands as we said the Lord's Prayer.
Easter Sunday
Then it was on to Dublin where both our Communities celebrated Easter and experienced a magnificent Easter Vigil in the Pro Cathedral where Phil works. Five babies were baptised ….quite a record..…with a very multi cultural congregation.This was followed by food and drink in a truly festive atmosphere.
Anne Bickford, Easter, 2006