Nice article about the Year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Peoria, which culminated with a Byzantine Catholic liturgy in the Cathedral

About 1,100 Catholics at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday had to be given instruction in how to take Communion.

"Tilt your head back," said J. Michael Thompson, director of the choir which would sing at that morning’s Byzantine liturgy. "Don’t stick out your tongue. And don’t try to say ‘Amen’ or you might choke."

[snip]

Sunday morning’s ancient Byzantine liturgy, celebrated by the Rev. Thomas Loya of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen, was one way for local Catholics who are used to a Western expression of Catholicism to experience an Eastern expression of the faith.

The liturgy, believed to have been written by St. John Chrysostom in what is now Turkey in early church history, appeals to various senses. Icon screens set up in front of the altar area featured images of Jesus and Mary as well as other saints. Chant – all of the liturgy was in English – was led by a choir from Chicago. Censers, or incense burners, were restoked throughout the Mass and frequently waved during processions throughout the cathedral. The priest and deacons were dressed in gold vestments. Bells attached to the censers rang frequently. Cloths were waved. Candles were lined up across the altar.

And there was a lot more standing to do during a longer Mass than Latin Rite Catholics are used to, with the Byzantine liturgy taking about 1 1/2 hours.

But those attending didn’t seem to mind.

"What a climax," Maureen Alouan said in front of the cathedral after the Mass.