Above is the sanctuary at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, my parish in Forest Hills, New York. A friend snapped the shot during a momentary lull between masses this Easter Sunday. Most of the last 24 hours or so, the place has been teeming with people — altar servers (and we have amazing altar servers, about 90 total), priests and, yes, even a deacon or two.

First, in reply to the many inquiries: the Exultet went over pretty well. I think it was a bit better than last year — though, whatever mistakes I made couldn’t be blamed on a cold this time — and friends and strangers made a point of telling me they liked it. (But I still think the happiest moment of the weekend for my wife occurred when I kissed her goodbye and headed out the door for the Vigil and she undoubtedly thought, “Thank God, he’s gone and I won’t have to listen to that for another year…”) The homily was well-received, too (thanks, Rock!) and I’m humbled beyond words by the response I got from so many people from far and wide. Thank you. You never know how the Holy Spirit will do His work.

And, indeed, He was busy this weekend. Our church was absolutely mobbed. The 11:30 mass — our “high” mass, complete with choir and trumpets — was beyond S.R.O. They were packed into the aisles, shoulder to shoulder, from the front of the church to the back. I’d never seen anything quite like it. One of our priests estimates that we served close to 6,000 people at five masses — probably double the number we usually handle.

Let’s pray they keep coming back.

Meantime, for clergy everywhere, I think it’s safe to say we all hit The Wall around noontime. (A priest in Texas wrote to me early this morning to say this would be “braindead week.”) But at this hour, my wife is taking a nap. (I’m about to join her.) A holiday dinner awaits. Priests are heading to visit family and friends. A few strong souls will stay up to watch “The Sound of Music” on cable. And another Easter will come to a close.

I’m off from work tomorrow. Wake me when it’s Tuesday.