Holy Week 2009 | St. Cecilia Parish

Holy Week 2009

Palm Sunday - Passion of Christ

Services on Palm Sunday portrayed the Passion of Christ, a very moving experience. HOLY THURSDAY is the most complex and profound of all religious observances, saving only the Easter Vigil. It celebrates both the institution by Christ himself of the Eucharist and of the institution of the sacerdotal priesthood (as distinct from the 'priesthood of all believers') for in this, His last supper with the disciples, a celebration of Passover, He is the self-offered Passover Victim, and every ordained priest to this day presents this same sacrifice, by Christ's authority and command, in exactly the same way. The Last Supper was also Christ's farewell to His assembled disciples, some of whom would betray, desert or deny Him before the sun rose again. The Holy Thursday liturgy, celebrated in the evening because Passover began at sundown, also shows both the worth God ascribes to the humility of service, and the need for cleansing with water (a symbol of baptism) in the Mandatum, or washing in Jesus' washing the feet of His disciples, and in the priest's stripping and washing of the altar. At this 'Chrism Mass' the bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism used for Baptism and Confirmation. There is also the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the people during the night, just as the disciples stayed with the Lord during His agony on the Mount of Olives before the betrayal by Judas.

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Last updated: Sun, 04/05/2009 - 13:52
Easter Sunday

For Christian churches, this is unquestionably the most important day of the entire year. Since all Roman Catholics are expected to attend mass and take Holy Communion to mark the holiday, every celebration held in each of the thousands of churches throughout Mexico will be packed with celebrants on this day. It is a unique time for spirtual renewal, born of the hope promised by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The church bells will once again peal, now with especially joyous fervor. With church attendance at a high, you can also expect to see plenty of festive crowds bustling about every town plaza following the services, including the ubiquitous street vendors hawking tacos, ice cream and other snacks.

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Last updated: Mon, 04/13/2009 - 09:46