The Catholic Files: Holy Week

Fr. Donnelly discuses "Holy Week"

As we enter into the profound and sacred time of Holy Week, we are invited to walk with Christ through the final moments of His earthly life.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of this sacred journey, where we remember Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. This Sunday, we wave palms in celebration of Jesus, as the crowds did so many years ago. However, as we continue this week, we will also reflect on the path that leads to His Passion, death, and resurrection. It is a week full of deep meaning, rich rituals, and invitations to renew our faith and understanding of Christ’s immense love for us. 

Holy Thursday  – The Lord’s Supper On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper. This is a moment to reflect on the institution of the Eucharist, when Jesus gathered His disciples for the last supper, offering His Body and Blood as the ultimate sign of His love and sacrifice. It is also the night when He washed the feet of His disciples, showing us the humility and servant leadership we are called to embrace. In this liturgy, we remember Jesus' words: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” As we partake in the Eucharist, we unite ourselves with the Body of Christ, renewing our commitment to follow Him with love and humility. 

Good Friday – The Passion of Our Lord On Good Friday, we gather in solemnity and silence to remember Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross. This is the darkest moment in Holy Week, as we enter into the mystery of the Passion. It is not a day for the Mass, but a liturgy of profound reflection, where we hear the story of Christ’s suffering, and we are invited to meditate on His sacrifice. We venerate the Cross, acknowledging the tremendous price Christ paid for our salvation. It is also a time for us to look into our hearts, acknowledging the ways we too have fallen short, and yet, in Christ's suffering, we find the grace and mercy that heal and redeem us.

Holy Saturday & The Easter Vigil Holy Saturday is a day of quiet anticipation. We hold vigil in the darkness, waiting for the light of the Resurrection to break through. The Easter Vigil, celebrated on the night before Easter Sunday, is the culmination of Holy Week. It begins in the dark, with the lighting of the Paschal Candle, symbolizing the light of Christ shining in the darkness. We gather around the fire, and as the candle is brought into the church, we hear the glorious proclamation, “The Light of Christ.” During the Vigil, we also read from the Scriptures, recounting God’s saving works throughout history. It is a time of remembrance, joy, and deep renewal. We celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist for those who are entering the Church, as they are welcomed into the family of God, fully initiated into the life of the Church. Easter – The Resurrection Finally, as the sun rises on Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. In His rising, we are offered the promise of eternal life and hope that conquers death. The joy of Easter is the fulfillment of all that we have meditated on during Holy Week – a promise of new life, redemption, and a future filled with hope. 

Let us enter this Holy Week with open hearts, reflecting on the great love and sacrifice of Jesus. May our prayers and actions draw us closer to Him, and may the joy of Easter fill our hearts and lives with peace and renewal