Crucem sanctam subiit,
qui infernum confregit,
accinctus est potentia,
surrexit die tertia. Alleluia.

Lapidem quem reprobaverunt
aedeficantes factus est
caput anguli, alleluia.

He bore the Holy Cross,
who broke the power of hell;
He was girded with power
He rose again the third day, alleluia

The stone that the architects rejected
became the cornerstone, alleluia.

I was blessed to be locked in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem last Friday night, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.  A small group of our pilgrims were able to spend many silent moments in the tomb itself.  It was awesome to realize that I was in the place were the victory was won, and for which so many suffered and died in order to be in that blessed place and to protect it.

Within the tomb is an icon of Our Lady holding a sacred vessel–the Holy Grail, perhaps?  It is a door that opens to the rock of the tomb itself, which is otherwise covered with marble and icons:

I am just about to celebrate the Sacred Paschal Vigil.  Easter Blessings to all!

Let us rejoice with the Queen of Heaven, for He is risen as He said.