Blessing of Easter Food

On Holy Saturday, after the celebration of Office of Readings and Morning Prayer, and the Preparation Rites for our three catechumens, the church filled to capacity with Polish people who brought beautifully prepared baskets of food (eggs, meat, bread) for the traditional blessing at Easter. Although this is a custom that is observed mainly in Poland, it must be something that belongs to the tradition of the whole Catholic Church since there is a rite for this blessing in the old Roman Ritual.

A rite in English was provided for me by the Polish priest who regularly celebrates Mass in Polish in the parish.

Here are some photos to give you a flavour (excuse the pun) of the atmosphere. Although you can't see in the photo, take it from me: the Church was full.

Introduction

The blessing of the Easter food is an ancient custom of the Church. It reminds us of a truth expressed by St Paul the Apostle in these words: Whatever you eat, whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.

Easting a meal is a holy act, which is why we pray before and after a meal. On the holiest of feasts, the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord, we bless the food that we will be eating.

When the Lenten period comes to an end and we come face to face with the risen Lord on Easter Sunday, we joyfully return to our homes and with Christ we sit down and eat the Easter foods that have been blessed. We will wish each other a Happy Easter as we share with each other the eggs that have been blessed, a symbol of new life.

Let us ask the Lord Jesus, who is always present amongst those who love him, to bless these foods for the Easter table.

Everyone prays in silence, then the minister continues:

Lord Jesus Christ, the day before you suffered and died you asked the disciples to prepare the Last Supper; on the day of your Resurrection you accepted an invitation from two of your disciples and you sat down to partake in a meal with them. Later that evening you came to the apostles to share a meal with them; we ask you to strengthen our faith so that we can experience your presence at the Easter table on the day that you overcame death, and grant that we can joyfully participate in your life and Resurrection.

Living Bread, who came down from Heaven and who, in Holy Communion, give life to the world, bless + this bread and all the Easter bread in memory of the bread with which you fed the people who diligently listened to your word in the wilderness, the bread which you prepared for your disciples at the lakeside after your Resurrection.

Lamb of God, who overcame evil and took away our sins, bless + this meat and all the food that we will eat in memory of the Paschal Lamb and the holy good which you ate with the apostles at the Last Supper. Bless also our salt so that it protects us from harm.

Christ Jesus, our Life and our Resurrection, bless + these eggs, symbol of new life, so that we can all share in the joy of your presence among us, as we share the eggs with our families, friends and guests. Grant that we can all gather at your eternal feast where you live and reign for ever and ever.