Solemn Mass for the Epiphany of the Lord

We made it to the Solemn Mass for the Epiphany of the Lord at St. Peter's Basilica. We also recieved tickets and were able to distribute Holy Communion. This was a wonderful experience. We had to be there an hour ahead of time with our tickets. We were directed to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament to recieve surplices, stoles and directions. Then, about twenty minutes before Mass began, we processed into the Basilica and took our seats behind the Main Altar on the left side (the Holy Father's left), which is next to the choir and organist.

Before the offertory, we recieved ciboria with unconsecrated hosts and then filed out to either side of the Altar, facing the Holy Father. Here we remained during the Eucharistic Prayer. The hosts were consecrated by the Holy Father as we held them! Then, we filed out into the nave where ushers stationed us at various locations.

We were not allowed to bring a camera with us to Mass (for obvious reasons), but I will share these two photos with you. If you can, try to catch the encore of the Mass on EWTN or elsewhere and then watch for the deacons. There were only one or two deacons distributing who were not of our number. There were also many priests who distributed Communion. If you are wondering how to spot a deacon among priests, look for the stole that crosses the chest diagonally. It hangs on the left shoulder with the ends resting on the right hand side, usually along the leg--priests wear it around the neck hanging straight down in the front.

Our tickets:



The Mass "libretto":