We have friends who faithfully attend "evening prayers" every night for 2-3 hours. I finally decided to ask if we could attend. This week was very special. There is a statue of the Virgin Mary that travels around the island. It happens to be in Pacific Harbour right now. She comes to honor her devotees by spending the night in their house. It is a great priviledge and pleasure for the family. It is customary to clear your living room of furniture, and create a beautiful altar. Families bring out their fine linens, fresh flowers and sacred objects to decorate the altar... The statue (She) stays for one or two nights, and can not be left alone through the evening hours. The family whose house She stays keeps her company by sleeping in the same room. The evening program began with an hour of praying and singing. What I like about religions other the Jewish, is the simple fact that the services are in ENGLISH. After prayer, She is moved to the next house. There was an amazing procession with each follower carrying flowers, 4 boys with guitars leading prayer, candle holders lighting the dark walk, and about 40 devotees walking slowly, beautifully singing hymns. Alina got to hold a flower bouquet and lead the entire procession to the next house where the Virgin Mary would reside for the evening. After we arrived, there was another hour of prayers and then a festive dinner for the whole group. It was quite a night. Amazing to know that the following evening, the group repeated the entire extravaganza to land at yet another house. And that this would continue for two weeks. Halleluyah.
We have friends who faithfully attend "evening prayers" every night for 2-3 hours. I finally decided to ask if we could attend. This week was very special. There is a statue of the Virgin Mary that travels around the island. It happens to be in Pacific Harbour right now. She comes to honor her devotees by spending the night in their house. It is a great priviledge and pleasure for the family. It is customary to clear your living room of furniture, and create a beautiful altar. Families bring out their fine linens, fresh flowers and sacred objects to decorate the altar... The statue (She) stays for one or two nights, and can not be left alone through the evening hours. The family whose house She stays keeps her company by sleeping in the same room. The evening program began with an hour of praying and singing. What I like about religions other the Jewish, is the simple fact that the services are in ENGLISH. After prayer, She is moved to the next house. There was an amazing procession with each follower carrying flowers, 4 boys with guitars leading prayer, candle holders lighting the dark walk, and about 40 devotees walking slowly, beautifully singing hymns. Alina got to hold a flower bouquet and lead the entire procession to the next house where the Virgin Mary would reside for the evening. After we arrived, there was another hour of prayers and then a festive dinner for the whole group. It was quite a night. Amazing to know that the following evening, the group repeated the entire extravaganza to land at yet another house. And that this would continue for two weeks. Halleluyah. 
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