(ANS – Darkhan) – As reported by Salesian Brother Christopher Gniazdowski, Easter in Mongolia is sometimes celebrated slightly differently in various places. The small differences in the liturgy depend on the missionary in charge of the parish, as he passes on the traditions of his country of origin. There are priests from the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea and African countries. Ash Wednesday, for example, coincided with the Mongolian Lunar New Year, one of the country’s most important and deeply felt festivals. Therefore, in recognition of local tradition, the rite of the ashes was postponed until Sunday Mass. Every Friday during Lent, the Way of the Cross services were held in the churches. The liturgy of the Easter Triduum was celebrated in a similar manner to that in other countries: Holy Thursday, the foot-washing rite; Good Friday, Adoration of the Cross; Holy Saturday, the liturgy of light and baptism; and Easter Sunday. In the Salesian parish of Darkhan, on Easter Sunday after Mass, each participant received five eggs to decorate.

Source: Salezjański Ośrodek Misyjny