As you are no doubt aware, the Institute employs the “pre-1955” liturgical books for Holy Week. This extends to the liturgy of the Vigil of Pentecost as contained in those books—this year to include the reception of new Catholics into the Church.
From ancient times, the sacrament of Baptism was celebrated on the Feast of Pentecost as on Easter; this following the example of the Apostle Peter, who baptized three thousand persons on Pentecost day. This custom is expressed in the liturgy of the Vigil of Pentecost, which resembles, in a briefer manner, the rites of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
The rite begins in the penitential color, violet. There is no blessing of a Paschal fire, nor lighting of the triple candle or Paschal candle, nor singing of the Exsultet. Rather, the vigil begins with the prophecies; there are a mere six, rather than the 12 of Easter, and in a different order. After the sixth prophecy, the blessing of the baptismal font is repeated, changing only the prayer at the beginning. At this point, the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are conferred on the new Catholics.
Following this, the Litany of the Saints is sung. During the Litany, the major ministers return to the sacristy and change to red vestments for the Mass, rather than the white of Easter. Other rites of the Easter vigil are repeated at this vigil Mass; there is no Introit, and the bells are rung at the Gloria in Excelsis. The Collect of the Mass refers to the baptismal character of this celebration even more clearly than that of the Easter Vigil Mass. After the Alleluia of the Mass is sung the same Tract which was sung at Easter Vigil. A further reference to the baptisms done during the rite is found in the Canon of the Mass, in which the proper Hanc Igitur of Easter is said. This text speaks of those whom the Lord “[has] deigned to regenerate of water and the Holy Spirit, granting to them remission of their sins.”
The Vigil of Pentecost at our parish will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18th. That evening, at 7 p.m., the Matins of Pentecost will be chanted in the church. It is the major canonical hour of the liturgy. For Pentecost and its octave, it is sung in an abbreviated form.
