Mardi Gras in the monastery brings our “farewell” to the Alleluia
at this evening’s Vespers, as we chant an elaborate Alleluia at the conclusion of
the office. Then we head to the refectory for Brother Patrick’s homemade pizza,
followed by ice cream and sweets. Then there’s clean-up followed by Compline, and the last time we can chant the Salve Regina with Our Lady’s window illumined until Easter Sunday. The
sanctuary is then prepared for the Ash Wednesday Mass, and the cross over the
altar veiled in purple for the holy Forty Days ahead.
