Holy Week at Mt. Irenaeus is very special. First because the Triduum (Thursday, Friday, Saturday/Sunday) is such a special time in our Catholic faith, and second because the core community here usually welcomes 10 to 12 people who live here during those days. Everyone present shares in prayer, preparation for each liturgy, cooking meals and enjoying everyone's company. 

Palm Sunday begins the week with the blessing and distribution of palms and the first reading of the Passion of Jesus. 

Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as Jesus' greatest going-away gift. Following this Mass, the extra hosts consecrated for use the next day remain in the ciborium on the altar for a time of adoration. 

Friday is the quietest day of the week as we reflect on the death of Jesus. The first prayer time that day is usually late morning. At the main service that day we remember the time Jesus died on the cross. During that service, the Passion of Jesus from a different Gospel than Sunday is read, there is a brief service of veneration of the Cross and we end with a communion service. Mass is never celebrated on Good Friday. Everyone leaves the Chapel in silence, and a simple meal is served for supper.

Saturday evening the Easter Vigil begins at 9 p.m., with the lighting of the new fire outside the Chapel followed by the procession into the dark Chapel led by the light of the new Paschal candle. Everyone follows along holding a lighted candle and very soon, the whole Chapel is lit up. The many parts of the liturgy that follow recount some of the history of God's people in their journey of faith. The "Glory to God in the highest," which hasn't been heard all during Lent, comes back again with a bang, as all sorts of bells are rung in great joy. All of that continues right into Easter Sunday as the cry, "He is Risen!  Alleluia!" continues to roll through the weeks that follow.

The people who share these days with us are usually gone after Sunday brunch and we friars share our Easter meal later that day. 

I was asked what I personally do differently here during Holy Week. The answer that came to me right away is: pray more. Prayers of thanksgiving for the tremendous reality of what we celebrate, and for the people with us during that time and all those with us in so many ways during the year.

 

All of you who are reading this are very much a part of our prayers every day. Be well.