Sunday, March 24, 2024, begins Holy Week. We celebrate Palm Sunday of the Passion of The Lord when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. It leads us through the Last Supper and the crucifixion of the Lord and ends on Easter Sunday with the Lord’s Resurrection. The Lord’s love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross and the Lord’s Resurrection. Thank you, Fr. Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, OFM Conv. for the following summary of the Sacred Triduum.
Beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, during this whole week, we experience Jesus coming to earth to save humanity by dying on the cross on Good Friday and resurrecting on Easter Sunday. By enduring and defeating death, the gates of heaven are opened for us.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem; palm branches were strewn in Jesus’ path, as He rode into the city. Then the emotions of the people changed calling for Jesus to be put to death. Please call to mind that every step toward the cross was intentional, every lesson filled with His personal love for all of us.
On Holy Thursday, Jesus and His disciples shared the Last Supper. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. At this meal, the Lord took the bread and wine, blessed these simple gifts and shared them with his disciples. The Eucharist was instituted. The Lord’s love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross and the Lord’s Resurrection.
On Good Friday, the last day of Jesus’ life on earth before His resurrection is celebrated. He was arrested and condemned to death. He carried His own cross to the place where He was crucified and died. There, Jesus cried out “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” and died. The Lord’s love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross and the Lord’s Resurrection.
Holy Saturday offers us time to be present to the Lord. It is quiet time when we are able to come before the Lord just to be with Him. The Lord’s love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross and the Lord’s Resurrection.
Beginning at nightfall on Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil – or the “Great Vigil” is celebrated. It is the high point of the Easter Triduum and of the entire liturgical year. It is when the Church keeps vigil at the tomb and rejoices with the arrival of Easter and Christ’s Resurrection. The Lord’s love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross and the Lord’s Resurrection.
The Celebrations of the Sacred Triduum are rich with symbolism and flow from one to another in a seamless way. While it may appear as if these liturgies are separate and distinct, they are actually intended to be one continuous celebration that commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Plan to attend the entire Triduum.
Find a Holy Week schedule at one of our Province Parishes.
Our Lady of Grace Castro Valley, CA
Our Lady of Guadalupe Hermosa Beach, CA
St. Paul the Apostle Coalinga, CA
St. Paul the Apostle Pismo Beach, CA
St. Paul San Pablo, CA