Another ceremony with the intention of making an impression and leading people to conversion to Christ the Saviour was that centred on the dead. Eugene described this in the Diary of the Marignane Mission:
Solemn service for the dead of the parish, in the morning, at the time usually devoted to the exercises. High Mass was sung by the Superior, a missionary did deacon, the Parish Priest fulfilled the duties of the sub-deacon. At the offertory, a sermon suited to the occasion.
At dawn, we were ready to go in procession to the cemetery. All present in the church, men and women, went along. On the way were sung the Miserere [ed. Psalm 50 – Have mercy on me, Lord] and the De Profundis [Out of the depths, I cry to you Lord], inserting after each verse the Requiem aeternam [Eternal rest grant to them], etc. Having reached the cemetery, a second absolution was given beside the grave that had been dug expressly for the ceremony. After the absolution, the Superior said some words suggested by the place and occasion. He ended by displaying for all to see a skull which he placed in the grave, which will remain open until such time as one of those who were present should come to fill it.
This little sermon should not last more than ten minutes. It is time for work, but the few words said must be animated and redolent of power and truth. The tears of all present were proof of the good effect had on them of so touching a ceremony. We withdrew only after kissing that clay which of itself would merit an eloquent sermon.
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Diary of the Marignane Mission, 2 December 1816, O.W. XVI On returning to the church, the missionaries were available for confessions.
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As I reflect upon the last two days and the text, though we are not living in 1816, what Eugene is tell us is to be prepared regarding liturgy. That liturgy is not only a mindgame, but a holistic, incarnatianal and creative. This will reflect the society and the age.
So the themes are the same, the ritual action may change.
Last night I was ask be a presenter of Eco-Economic to ponder on the relation ship of World Earth day and Good Friday. I would love to here how you bring “Oblate” rituals into life.