The bell rang once, followed by a second chime, and then a third.
The choir began to prepare to start singing, strategically positioning themselves on the second floor of the chapel, which stretched from the entrance to the end of the enclosure. The arrangement had been carefully planned: at the beginning, near the entrance, the children were placed, whose sharp voices would bring clarity and brightness to the choral ensemble. Their faces reflected concentration and a hint of nervousness before the imminent performance.
Next, in the middle section of the second floor, were the youths between 12 and 16 years old. Their voices, in full change and development, would serve as a bridge between the innocence of the higher tones and the maturity of the lower voices. This mix of timbres created a rich sound texture, a harmonious transition that flowed naturally towards the depth and resonance of the adult voices.
Finally, at the back, near the end of the second floor, were the adults. Their deep and powerful voices were the foundation upon which the rest of the choir was built. The solidity of their low tones provided a perfect counterpoint to the lightness of the children, and together, they created a full spectrum of sounds that would fill the chapel with celestial music.
With everyone in place, the choir director raised his hands, asking for silence and attention. A final confirming glance swept across the rows of singers, and with a subtle gesture, the director marked the beginning. The first notes rose, pure and clear, beginning the weaving of a harmony that would expand throughout the sacred space, enveloping everyone in the beauty of choral singing.
As the choir intoned the sacred hymn, the procession began to enter through the chapel door. The music filled the space with its reverence and solemnity:
"Adorate Deum omnes Angeli eius:
audivit et laetata est Sion:
et exsultaverunt filiae Iudae.
Dominus regnavit, decorem indutus est:
indutus est Dominus fortitudinem, et praecinxit se.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper,
et in saecula saeculorum. Amen."
The first in the procession were the crucifer, proudly carrying the high cross that rose above the crowd, and by his side, the candle bearer, whose light symbolized the presence of Christ as the light of the world. Their roles were fundamental, marking the beginning of the ceremony with their solemn and measured step.
Among those who followed, the deacon stood out, dressed in the stole and dalmatic, his liturgical vestments that denoted his order and function within the church. He moved with a grace that reflected his deep respect for the ritual he was about to perform.
Finally, at the end of the procession, came the priest, the main celebrant of the mass. His presence was the most awaited, and his entrance marked the formal beginning of the liturgy. Dressed in the chasuble over his other vestments, he symbolized the authority and responsibility of guiding the congregation in worship and prayer.
The crowd stood up, their faces turned towards the procession as it passed through the central aisle, each member of the clergy and the faithful preparing to enter into the sacred communion of the mass. The music of the choir, rising from the second floor, enveloped everyone in an atmosphere of devotion and expectation.
As the choir began to intone the song again, creating an atmosphere of devotion and continuity, the members of the procession began to leave their ceremonial objects in the designated places.
The crucifer placed the cross in its stand, and the candle bearer placed his in the prepared candelabra. The deacon, after bowing to the altar, headed to a room at the end of the chapel, known as the sacristy, where ministers and servers prepare before mass and keep the vestments and liturgical objects.
The priest, meanwhile, approached the altar, standing behind the lectern from where the Scripture readings are proclaimed and the homily is preached.
With the end of the song as a backdrop, the priest prepared to begin the Liturgy of the Word, the moment when the scriptures are read and reflected upon. The community, already immersed in recollection, awaited with anticipation the words that would resonate from the ambo, words that would nourish their faith and guide them on their spiritual journey.
The priest, standing behind the ambo, coughed gently to capture the congregation's attention. A reverent silence spread through the chapel, and all eyes turned to him. With a clear and serene voice, the priest announced:
"Before we begin, let us pray the Our Father aloud."
The community joined in one voice, reciting the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. As the words of the "Our Father" echoed in the sacred space, the collection officer began to pass among the pews with a cloth sack, collecting the offerings of the faithful.
Magpie, with an expression of devotion, deposited three gold coins in the sack, her generosity reflecting her status and her commitment to the church. The main servants, no less pious in their giving, offered five silver coins each, their shine capturing the light of the candles as they fell into the sack.
The other servants, each in their own way, contributed what they could, giving between 50 and 80 copper deniers. Although the copper coins did not shine as much as gold or silver, each represented an act of faith and a personal sacrifice.
The sound of the coins clashing against each other marked the rhythm of the prayer, and when the last "Amen" was pronounced, the sack had been filled with the offerings of all those present. The act of giving was not only a gesture of charity but also an integral part of the service, a moment of communion and sharing each one's blessings with the wider community.