some welcome changes in the new Missal

Although the new Roman Missal is not in force yet (due to the absence of an official English translation), I thought it interesting to peruse the USCCB’s summary of changes to the Easter Triduum in this document. Here are some highlights (heh, of the highlights):

• A second Mass of the Lord’s Supper may be offered if necessary/prudent
• On knees is now an acceptable substitute for prostrating at the start of Good Friday
• Stabat mater, or another appropriate chant, may be sung to honor the compassion of the BMV
• The preparation of the Easter candle is no longer optional. (WHY this would be optional anyway is beyond me - it’s way cool!)
• The “Christ our light” acclamations are at slightly different spots now than they were: the church door, the middle of the assembly, and before the altar.
• The new Missal is more insistent on the necessity, if at all possible, of doing all 7 Old Testament readings at the Vigil. It still allows as few as 3; the “grave necessity” option of 2 is gone. (Again, why anyone would cut any readings from the EV is beyond me. 7 days, not 3 or 5 or 6.)
• The Liturgy of Baptism is substantially reworked.