Some Highlights for the Holy Week Ceremony

03-17-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.

Beloved Parishioners,

As our Lenten season gradually draws to a close, I wish to communicate to you about Our Holy Week and Easter Celebration which would be good if you take note of some of the changes. Its aim is to update you and keep you informed of the activities at these sacred moments and assist us in deep appreciation of the great mystery of our salvation which has roots in the old tradition of the church.

As we all know, the Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem in humility to complete the work of our salvation to undergo suffering, denial, and finally death on a cross. In entering Jerusalem, the people laid their garment on the ground for Him to walk upon in procession. Therefore, to recall that traditional ceremonial rites of going into Jerusalem with Jesus there is going to be a procession from the outside into the Church. The palms would be blessed outside in front of St. Joseph Hall as it is required, except when it is not possible, then followed by a procession into the church. For many who cannot join the procession because of age or sickness, you may choose to remain inside and later you can get the blessed palm from the Narthex. This would be the first time we would be doing the procession for many years, and I encourage everyone to try to be part of this ceremony. It is a way of going into Jerusalem along with Jesus in our own community.

Holy Thursday Liturgy commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and the institution of the priesthood; unfortunately, not many people have shown up in that Mass. I am using this opportunity to invite everyone to consider being a part of this valuable liturgy of our tradition. There is the traditional Adoration of Jesus in Mary’s Garden from after Mass to 12 midnight. In the past, many people have not shown up, but I am asking everyone who could make it to consider spending one hour with the Lord in Gethsemane. I equally wish to appeal that we consider participating in this year’s Holy Week celebration. Many did not participate as it is expected in the past, and I am calling on all to see this as a great opportunity to be present in this most sacred celebration of our faith.

Good Friday celebration begins with the Live Passion drama by the community at 2:00pm and from there we all proceed into the church for Divine Mercy prayers which will be followed by the Veneration of the Cross Liturgy. After the Liturgy of the Veneration of the Cross we have the soup as a break and then go into the Stations of the Cross. This year there would be only one Stations of the Cross outside and one inside for those who cannot walk along. The Stations of the Cross that would be used this year on Good Friday would be the Biblical Stations of the Cross instituted by St. John Paul in 1991 which follows the ancient version. The Biblical Way of the Cross of John Paul II can lead to an experience of the deep love God revealed through the suffering and death of the Lord. The stations would be divided among the various ministries we have in the parish.

On the Saturday Vigil we continue as usual, but the Celebration will start outside with the blessing of the fire then we would proceed inside the church. In all, I appeal that everyone joins faithfully throughout the Holy Week celebration. The Easter Sunday Masses are 7:00am, 8:45am, 10:30am and 12:30pm. There would not be any 5:00pm Mass on Easter Sunday. Wishing you all a Blessed Easter in advance.