Holy Week - What it All Means

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and we begin what is known as Holy Week. The Triduum begins on Holy Thursday Mass (the Mass of the Lord's Supper which is awesome) and continues with Good Friday service where we recall the passion and crucifixion of Christ. No Mass is said on Good Friday but the body of Christ that was sanctified on Holy Thursday is distributed. No music is used after the Gloria on Holy Thursday until the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening. The altar area is stripped bare after the Holy Thursday Mass. Basically, the Triduum is one big Mass with no end until the Vigil Mass is concluded. It is spiritual, thought provoking, and the most amazing! It is sooo difficult to explain. The Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday begins with a totally dark church. The people coming into the Church and their families are outside with the priest and others around a blessed fire. Their candles are lit from that fire and then they process into the church, lighting everyone's candles as they go. The effect is amazing and the darkened church is soon completely lighted by candles! The Easter Vigil Mass is very long but it is the most fantastic experience - I wouldn't ever miss one.

So God's blessing to you all. I hope your Holy Week and Easter Sunday are wonderful. And I hope the Easter Season (from Easter Sunday to Pentecost the end of May) is cleansing, prayerful, and you see how God has truly blessed your life. Until next time.....