Palm SundayDistribution of PalmsBeginning the ProcessionThe Procession stops in front of the closed door of the church. When the door opens, the celebrant will solemnly enter, as Our Lord Jesus Christ triumphantly entered into JerusalemChanting of the Passion in three voicesThe knee is bent at the death of our Lord on the CrossResponses sung by the SistersTenebrae of Holy ThursdayChanting of the psalmesLessons sung by the clericsAt the end of each psalm, a candle is extinguishedThe altar candles and church lights are extinguished throughout the “Benedictus” at LaudsOnly one candle remains lit because it represents Our Lord who has conquered deathIn remembrance of the Last Supper where the Holy Eucharist and the Catholic Priesthood were instituted, we share a festive meal wonderfully preparedHoly Thursday MassPreaching from the pulpitToward the altar of reposeStripping of the altarsAdoration at the altar of reposeTenebrae of Good FridayThe last candle is placed behind the altar, disappearing from view, just as Our Lord, the Light of the world, left the world at His death on the Cross. Then the candle reappears, manifesting the Resurrection.Mass of the PresanctifiedChant of the Passion: The Celebrant sings all the words spoken by Our Lord, while the Deacon sings the narrationThe Choir sings the words of othersThe Cross is uncovered gradually, in three stagesThe Cross is placed on the steps of the altar to be adoredThe Blessed Sacrament is removed from the altar of reposeOur Lord is brought to the altar with the singing of the Vexilla RegisEaster Vigil: Blessing of the New FireThe three candles of the three-branched candlestick are lit progressively during the procession of the clergy into the choirChant of the Exultet, during which the Paschal Candle is litGloria. Statues and paintings are unveiledEaster Sunday Lauds in our small chapel at the Villa of the Sacred HeartEaster Sunday Solemn MassBlessing of eggsBlessing of eggsVespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
