Sometimes, we say Palm Sunday; other times, Passion Sunday

Palm Sunday

Dear Pilgrims of Hope,

Sometimes, we say Palm Sunday; other times, we refer to this day as Passion Sunday. The Ordo refers to it as Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. This week is Holy Week. Holy Week has as its purpose the remembrance of Christ's passion, beginning with His Messianic entrance into Jerusalem. (General Norms 31)

We are encouraged to enter into the Lord's passion. How? Here are a few suggestions …

There are books and articles about the Passion of Christ. In this literature, you will confront the excruciating torture that our Lord endured because of his love for us.

The movie The Passion of the Christ is incredibly violent, the violence is centered on one person, Jesus Christ. I have never been so emotionally affected by watching a movie. I believe it's fairly a realistic depiction of the passion and death of our Lord. Who chose the cross for our sake. It is likely the most authentic portrayal of Christ's passion.

You can always come to church at anytime to pray the Stations of the Cross, reflect on what you see. Jesus is in this place. You can also open the scripture and read the narrative accounts of the Passion, meditating and using your imagination to place yourself there.

We must spend some time meditating on the Passion of our Lord. It can help us understand that sin is ugly and has consequences and that our Lord loves us far beyond our comprehension. It can help us know that we, too, are called to obedience in following our Lord, and at times, that can be difficult.

This Thursday at 10:00 am, we Priests and the Archbishop will gather to celebrate the Mass of Chrism, a significant part of Holy Week. This Mass is a special occasion where the holy oils used in the Sacraments throughout the year are blessed. All are welcome to join us in this wonderful celebration, which will be held at the magnificent Cathedral Basilica.

In this bulletin, you will see the schedule for the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter). I encourage you to attend all or as much as you can. It's a time for personal reflection and deepening your faith.
In addition, on Good Friday, we will join in the morning prayer at 8:00 am. Please join us as we prayerfully enter the most sacred days of our Faith.

Peace,

Father Maassen

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