Watch “CELEBRATION OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL CLAUDIO GUGEROTTI | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 18, 2025 |
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion from St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
Good Friday invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Cross, the heart of our faith and the gateway to salvation.
Good Friday, also known as the Friday of the Passion of the Lord, is the second day of the Sacred Paschal Triduum the three most solemn days of the Church’s liturgical year. It is the day when the Church commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Stripped of glory and filled with solemn silence, this day invites us to enter into the mystery of the Cross: the supreme act of love and sacrifice by which our redemption was won. There is no celebration of the Holy Mass today. Instead, we gather in mourning and awe, contemplating the price of our salvation. From the echo of Jesus’ final words to the darkness that fell over the earth, Good Friday stands as a stark reminder of the depth of divine mercy and the immensity of Christ’s love. As we kneel before the Cross, may we not only grieve the cost of our sin, but also marvel at the hope born from Christ’s Passion.
A Brief Historical Context: The name “Good Friday” might seem paradoxical, considering the sorrow and suffering of the day. Yet, within the sorrow lies the very essence of our salvation. Good Friday recalls the darkest, yet most redemptive day in human history. After the Last Supper, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and brought before religious leaders and eventually the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Though finding no fault in Him, Pilate, swayed by the crowd, sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
The journey to Golgotha also called Calvary was brutal. Jesus was mocked, scourged, crowned with thorns, and forced to carry His Cross through the streets of Jerusalem. There, outside the city walls, He was nailed to the Cross, raised between two criminals, and left to die. At 3 o’clock, with a final cry “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46) Jesus breathed His last. At that hour, Christians around the world observe a moment of prayerful silence, marking the supreme sacrifice by which our salvation was won.
Why Good Friday Matters: Good Friday is not merely about the death of an innocent man it is about the death of the Innocent One, the Son of God, who bore the weight of humanity’s sin. Christians believe that through His suffering and death, Jesus made atonement for the sins of the world. This was the ultimate act of love: selfless, sacrificial, and freely given.
But the story does not end here. Good Friday is the necessary doorway to Easter. Without the Cross, there would be no Resurrection. Without the sorrow of Friday, the joy of Sunday would not be possible. In the bleakness of this day lies the seed of eternal life.
Why Call It “Good”? The name “Good Friday” may seem contradictory—how can a day of brutal execution be called good? The term may derive from “God’s Friday,” or from the old meaning of “good” as “holy.” Others believe it points to the good that came from the Cross: the salvation of souls, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope of eternal life.
In other parts of the world, the day is named differently but with similar reverence: “Holy Friday” in Latin nations, “Great Friday” among the Slavs and Hungarians, “Friday of Mourning” in Germany, and “Long Friday” in Norway. All point to the solemnity and sacredness of this day.
Sacred Rituals and Traditions: Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in the Church’s liturgical calendar. No Mass is celebrated today the only day of the year this occurs. The altar is stripped bare, and the Tabernacle is empty, reflecting the absence of Christ. The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, often referred to as the Mass of the Presanctified (though it is not a Mass), typically takes place at 3:00 p.m.
This liturgy has three parts:
Liturgy of the Word – including the reading of the Passion according to John. The General Intercessions conclude the Liturgy of the Word. The ten intercessions cover these areas: For the Church; For the Pope; For the clergy and laity of the Church; For those preparing for baptism; For the unity of Christians; For the Jewish people; For those who do not believe in Christ; For those who do not believe in God; For all in public office; For those in special need.
Veneration of the Cross – where the faithful approach and reverence the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross “on which hung the Savior of the world.” During this time the “Reproaches” are usually sung or recited.
Holy Communion – distributed from hosts consecrated the previous day. Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the ciboriums containing the Blessed Sacrament are brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei (“This is the Lamb of God”) are recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion, there is a “Prayer After Communion,” and then a “Prayer Over the People,” and everyone departs in silence.
Priests and deacons wear red or black vestments, and the service begins in silence, with them prostrating before the bare altar in a gesture of deep mourning and humility.
Throughout the world, Christians mark the day with fasting, prayer, the Stations of the Cross, silence, and acts of penance. It is a day of deep reflection, both personal and communal.
Why Good Friday Still Matters: Though these events took place over two thousand years ago, their relevance remains urgent and profound. Good Friday calls us to face the darkness within ourselves and the world. It asks us to examine our lives through the lens of sacrifice, humility, mercy, and forgiveness. In an age marked by division and self-interest, the Cross challenges us to love radically, even when it hurts.
Jesus’ Passion reveals the depth of human cruelty, but more importantly, the immeasurable depth of divine love. It reminds us that God is not distant from our suffering—He entered into it fully and transformed it from within.
The Road to Easter: Good Friday is not the end. It is the stillness before the dawn. The tomb will not remain sealed. As we await the joy of Easter, we carry the sorrow of this day in our hearts, allowing it to shape us into people of greater compassion, faith, and hope.
Good Friday is a day of paradox: darkness and light, death and life, sorrow and hope. Through the wounds of Christ, the world is healed. Through His Cross, we are made new. May we never grow indifferent to this mystery. Let us kneel at the foot of the Cross, not in despair, but in awe because love like this changes everything.
PRAYER: My suffering and sacrificial Lord, You have sanctified this day and endowed it with grace. As I commemorate Your saving sacrifice, draw me into this mystical act of love. Help me to remain prayerful and recollected throughout this day and into tomorrow. Invite me to stand before Your Cross and to gaze upon Your beaten and torn body. As I do, pour forth the abundance of Your mercy flowing from Your wounded side. Jesus, I trust in You. 🙏
On this Good Friday, may God’s grace and mercy be with us all as we commemorate the crucifixion and death of our Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Amen🙏
Good Friday, also known as the Friday of the Passion of the Lord, is the second day of the Sacred Paschal Triduum the three most solemn days of the Church’s liturgical year. It is the day when the Church commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Stripped of glory and filled with solemn silence, this day invites us to enter into the mystery of the Cross: the supreme act of love and sacrifice by which our redemption was won. There is no celebration of the Holy Mass today. Instead, we gather in mourning and awe, contemplating the price of our salvation. From the echo of Jesus’ final words to the darkness that fell over the earth, Good Friday stands as a stark reminder of the depth of divine mercy and the immensity of Christ’s love. As we kneel before the Cross, may we not only grieve the cost of our sin, but also marvel at the hope born from Christ’s Passion.
A Brief Historical Context: The name “Good Friday” might seem paradoxical, considering the sorrow and suffering of the day. Yet, within the sorrow lies the very essence of our salvation. Good Friday recalls the darkest, yet most redemptive day in human history. After the Last Supper, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and brought before religious leaders and eventually the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Though finding no fault in Him, Pilate, swayed by the crowd, sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
The journey to Golgotha also called Calvary was brutal. Jesus was mocked, scourged, crowned with thorns, and forced to carry His Cross through the streets of Jerusalem. There, outside the city walls, He was nailed to the Cross, raised between two criminals, and left to die. At 3 o’clock, with a final cry “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46) Jesus breathed His last. At that hour, Christians around the world observe a moment of prayerful silence, marking the supreme sacrifice by which our salvation was won.
Why Good Friday Matters: Good Friday is not merely about the death of an innocent man it is about the death of the Innocent One, the Son of God, who bore the weight of humanity’s sin. Christians believe that through His suffering and death, Jesus made atonement for the sins of the world. This was the ultimate act of love: selfless, sacrificial, and freely given.
But the story does not end here. Good Friday is the necessary doorway to Easter. Without the Cross, there would be no Resurrection. Without the sorrow of Friday, the joy of Sunday would not be possible. In the bleakness of this day lies the seed of eternal life.
Why Call It “Good”? The name “Good Friday” may seem contradictory—how can a day of brutal execution be called good? The term may derive from “God’s Friday,” or from the old meaning of “good” as “holy.” Others believe it points to the good that came from the Cross: the salvation of souls, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope of eternal life.
In other parts of the world, the day is named differently but with similar reverence: “Holy Friday” in Latin nations, “Great Friday” among the Slavs and Hungarians, “Friday of Mourning” in Germany, and “Long Friday” in Norway. All point to the solemnity and sacredness of this day.
Sacred Rituals and Traditions: Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in the Church’s liturgical calendar. No Mass is celebrated today the only day of the year this occurs. The altar is stripped bare, and the Tabernacle is empty, reflecting the absence of Christ. The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, often referred to as the Mass of the Presanctified (though it is not a Mass), typically takes place at 3:00 p.m.
This liturgy has three parts:
Liturgy of the Word – including the reading of the Passion according to John. The General Intercessions conclude the Liturgy of the Word. The ten intercessions cover these areas: For the Church; For the Pope; For the clergy and laity of the Church; For those preparing for baptism; For the unity of Christians; For the Jewish people; For those who do not believe in Christ; For those who do not believe in God; For all in public office; For those in special need.
Veneration of the Cross – where the faithful approach and reverence the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross “on which hung the Savior of the world.” During this time the “Reproaches” are usually sung or recited.
Holy Communion – distributed from hosts consecrated the previous day. Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the ciboriums containing the Blessed Sacrament are brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei (“This is the Lamb of God”) are recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion, there is a “Prayer After Communion,” and then a “Prayer Over the People,” and everyone departs in silence.
Priests and deacons wear red or black vestments, and the service begins in silence, with them prostrating before the bare altar in a gesture of deep mourning and humility.
Throughout the world, Christians mark the day with fasting, prayer, the Stations of the Cross, silence, and acts of penance. It is a day of deep reflection, both personal and communal.
Why Good Friday Still Matters: Though these events took place over two thousand years ago, their relevance remains urgent and profound. Good Friday calls us to face the darkness within ourselves and the world. It asks us to examine our lives through the lens of sacrifice, humility, mercy, and forgiveness. In an age marked by division and self-interest, the Cross challenges us to love radically, even when it hurts.
Jesus’ Passion reveals the depth of human cruelty, but more importantly, the immeasurable depth of divine love. It reminds us that God is not distant from our suffering—He entered into it fully and transformed it from within.
The Road to Easter: Good Friday is not the end. It is the stillness before the dawn. The tomb will not remain sealed. As we await the joy of Easter, we carry the sorrow of this day in our hearts, allowing it to shape us into people of greater compassion, faith, and hope.
Good Friday is a day of paradox: darkness and light, death and life, sorrow and hope. Through the wounds of Christ, the world is healed. Through His Cross, we are made new. May we never grow indifferent to this mystery. Let us kneel at the foot of the Cross, not in despair, but in awe because love like this changes everything.
PRAYER: My suffering and sacrificial Lord, You have sanctified this day and endowed it with grace. As I commemorate Your saving sacrifice, draw me into this mystical act of love. Help me to remain prayerful and recollected throughout this day and into tomorrow. Invite me to stand before Your Cross and to gaze upon Your beaten and torn body. As I do, pour forth the abundance of Your mercy flowing from Your wounded side. Jesus, I trust in You. 🙏
On this Good Friday, may God’s grace and mercy be with us all as we commemorate the crucifixion and death of our Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Amen🙏
Day Thirty-Nine: Love at the Foot of the Cross Good Friday
Scripture Passage: “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” — John 19:25–27
Opening Reflection: Good Friday invites us to silence, awe, and sorrow—but also to profound love. On this day, as the Church contemplates Christ crucified, we are drawn into the mystery of a love so deep it endures abandonment, mockery, torture, and death. Yet, in the midst of this suffering, we find a striking image: Mary, the Mother of Jesus, standing by the Cross. Her love did not waver. Her presence became a living testament of hope, faith, and the tender strength of maternal devotion.
Meditative Reflection: From the wounds Christ bore to the silent exchange between Him and His Mother, Good Friday unveils a love that embraces suffering without turning away. Tradition tells us of a hidden wound one not recorded in the Gospels on Jesus’ shoulder, where the Cross bit deeply into His flesh. This hidden pain, revealed in private revelation to St. Bernard, reminds us that much of Jesus’ suffering was unseen by the world but fully offered for our salvation.
And then there is Longinus the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side. The water and blood that poured forth did not condemn him; instead, they washed him clean. Touched by grace, he believed. The open side of Christ became a door to divine mercy, an invitation to all of us. Like Longinus, like John, like Mary—we are invited to stand close to the Cross, not to flee from it.
Mary did not need explanations or miracles. Her love was enough to keep her grounded in the agony. She did not flee, curse, or despair. Instead, she gave her Son the only thing she could in that moment: her presence, her love. And Jesus, even in His final hour, thought not of Himself, but of her. “Behold your son… Behold your mother.” These were not mere words—they were a gift to Mary, to John, and to us all.
To truly live Holy Week is to let our hearts break open at the foot of the Cross and to love as Mary loved: silently, faithfully, completely.
Reflection Questions: Do I allow myself to stand still before the suffering of Christ, or do I avoid facing the Cross in my life? What does it mean for me to “stand by” someone in pain with love and presence like Mary? Do I believe that Christ’s love is personal, that even His hidden wounds were endured out of love for me?
Lenten Question Q: Why is Good Friday “good” if it is so sorrowful? A: Because on this day, Jesus accomplished the work of our redemption through His Passion and death. What appears to be defeat is actually the greatest victory the triumph of divine love over sin and death. His suffering opens for us the way to eternal life.
Lenten Action: Spend time in prayerful silence today. If possible, participate in the Good Friday liturgy. Reflect on a crucifix, or meditate on one of Christ’s wounds. Pray the Seven Last Words of Jesus or keep a Holy Hour with Mary at the foot of the Cross.
Concluding Prayer: Crucified Lord Jesus, You bore every wound, every insult, every drop of agony for my sake. You embraced even the hidden sufferings, the ones no one saw, so that no part of my own pain would be left untouched by Your love. At the Cross, You gave me Your Mother, and through her, an example of steadfast, fearless love. Give me the courage to stand beside You, not only today but always. Transform my heart through Your wounds, that I may love as You love and believe as Mary believed. Amen.
DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: Novena in preparation for DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. Good Friday is the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena. Novena begins tomorrow, Friday, April 18, 2025, to Saturday, April 26, 2025, leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, 2025 | Link ~ https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/17/divine-mercy-novena/
Holy Mass of the Lord’s Supper from St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican and Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City.
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN” | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/17/catholic-daily-mass-44/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Thursday of Holy Week of Lent (Maundy Thursday)!
Thursday of Holy Week is traditionally known as HOLY THURSDAY or MAUNDY THURSDAY, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples, during which He instituted the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood (cf. Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; John 13). The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referencing Jesus’ words: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This sacred day marks the beginning of the Easter or Paschal Triduum the three most solemn days in the Church’s liturgical year: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, culminating in the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. The Triduum begins with the evening liturgy of Holy Thursday, reaches its climax in the celebration of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil, and concludes with Vespers on Easter Sunday. As we enter into these holy days, may we set aside all distractions and open our hearts to walk closely with Jesus. Let us draw near to the altar, to His suffering, and to His love, that we may rise with Him to new life.
PRAYER MEDITATION FOR HOLY THURSDAY
My Most Precious Lord Jesus, this night You gathered with Your Apostles to share with them Your last meal. But this was no ordinary meal. This was the gift of Your most Sacred Body and Blood, soon to be broken and poured out on the Cross for the salvation of the world.
Allow me, dear Lord, to spend this night in prayer and meditation with You. After the meal, You invited Your Apostles to join You for one hour, to stay awake and keep vigil as You prepared for Your arrest. The Apostles fell asleep, leaving You in Your bitter agony alone.
I accept Your gentle invitation of love, dear Lord, to spend this night in vigil with You. May I enter Your Heart as it faced the coming persecution You were to endure for my sins. May I console Your Sacred Heart and know the love and Mercy that flowed forth.
Lord, when I face the crosses of my own life, give me Your divine courage and strength to say “Yes” to the Will of the Father. Your love for me is abundant and is perfect in every way. Help me to know that love, to embrace it and to allow it into my life.
I make my vigil with You this night, dear Lord. I love You, help me to love You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey and celebrate the Holy Week and Easter Triduum we the Church honors three holy men of God whose lives, though shaped by different times and vocations, bore witness to unwavering love for Christ and the Church. Saint Anicetus, Pope and Martyr (defender of orthodoxy and unity in the early Church), led the faithful during a period of doctrinal division and suffered for the faith. Saint Robert of Molesmes, Abbot (reformer and co-founder of the Cistercian Order), longed for a purer observance of the Benedictine rule and helped birth a great monastic renewal. Saint Donan, Missionary and Priest (Celtic evangelizer and martyr), brought the Gospel to Scotland, where he and his companions paid the ultimate price for their faith. Each man reminds us that true discipleship is marked by fidelity, courage, and a heart set on heaven.
May their lives and intercession inspire us to stand firm in truth, pursue holiness with zeal, and remain faithful witnesses even in adversity. Amen. 🙏🏽
We thank God for the gift of life and for the gift of this day. May this season of Lent bring renewal in faith, deepening our journey through Lent and drawing us closer to Christ. May God’s grace guide and strengthen us every day, and may His grace and mercy be with us all during this final week of our Lenten journey. 🙏🏽
“Loving God, we thank you for the unwavering faith and leadership of Pope Francis. As he recovers from his hospitalization, we humbly ask for your healing touch upon his body, your peace upon his mind, and your comfort for his spirit. Grant him strength, renewed energy, and a continued ability to serve your flock with compassion and wisdom. We entrust him to your loving care, and we pray that he may soon be restored to good health, if it be your will. Through Christ our Lord, Amen”🙏🏽
On this special feast day, as we continue the Holy Week with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and celebrate their memorial anniversary today. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: For the use of the new technologies ~ Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
PRAYER OF THE MONTH ~ POPE FRANCIS: Lord, Good Father, as I look at the world and see men and women working in it and beautifying it, a great “Thank You!” springs from my heart. The action of Your Spirit among us encourages us to grow in the progress of science and technology in the service of human dignity for integral and inclusive human development. Because we know You desire the good of all, from the heart of Your Church, Your Son calls us to ensure that technology does not replace “person-to-person” contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings. Help us develop the ability to live wisely, to think deeply, to love generously, without losing heart, promoting scientific and technological growth that increasingly aligns with human development in responsibility, values, and awareness. Amen 🙏🏽
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
A PRAYER TO WALK HUMBLY THROUGH LENT: Father, In Micah 6:8, You say, “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Today we choose to walk humbly with You. We choose to live by Your Holy Spirit and to follow Your lead. Help us to hear You clearly, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, we want to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 🙏🏽
God of goodness and mercy, hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love. May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace. Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father. Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day. Amen 🙏🏽
LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE (Lenten Fast and Abstinence regulations from the USCCB): Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards
Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. 🙏🏽
Evening Mass Readings: Holy Mass of the Lord’s Supper First reading: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 Second reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Gospel Reading: John 13:1-15
Reflection on Scripture Readings for the Holy Chrism Mass
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 4:16-21
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor…”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus enters the synagogue in Nazareth and reads from the scroll of Isaiah a passage that echoes the very mission of His life. After reading, He proclaims, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” This moment is a powerful declaration: the long-awaited Messiah is not a distant promise but present and alive in their midst. Jesus claims the identity of the Anointed One, sent to liberate, heal, and uplift the brokenhearted. His words are not abstract they are embodied in His life, His ministry, and ultimately, His Passion. Holy Thursday, particularly the Chrism Mass, is a celebration of this anointing, reminding us of the sacred mission of all baptized Christians, especially priests, who are called to continue Christ’s work in the world. Today, we are invited to recognize the living presence of Jesus in the Church, in the sacraments, and in our own call to serve the poor, proclaim liberty, and heal the wounded.
Reflecting on the first reading, Isaiah’s powerful words speak of hope and restoration. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me… He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly.” These prophetic words find fulfillment in Christ, whose mission was precisely to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom to captives. The anointing mentioned here is not just ceremonial it is a divine commissioning. It calls for action, compassion, and justice. In the context of Holy Thursday, when sacred oils are blessed and priests renew their vows, this reading speaks to the heart of Christian ministry. All of us, by our baptism and confirmation, share in this anointing. We are called to be bearers of joy, agents of healing, and proclaimers of hope in a world that mourns. As Isaiah proclaims, “You shall be named priests of the Lord.” This priesthood is not only ministerial but also spiritual it is a call to be bridges between God and His people.
Reflecting on the second reading from Revelation reminds us of the cosmic identity of Christ: “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and ruler of the kings of the earth.” Yet, it is also deeply personal. Jesus “loves us and has freed us from our sins by his Blood.” On this Holy Thursday, as we remember the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, we are reminded of the cost of our salvation. Christ’s love is not vague it is a love that bleeds, that frees, that transforms. We are no longer merely followers but a kingdom, “priests for his God and Father.” This dignity should stir within us a sense of responsibility. As Christ came to serve and to give His life, so must we offer our lives in grateful response. He is the Alpha and the Omega, and all history flows toward Him. Today, let us renew our faith in the One who was, who is, and who is to come.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” This psalm celebrates the anointing of King David, a foreshadowing of the eternal kingship of Christ. God’s promise to David to strengthen, uphold, and bless finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the Anointed One. As the Church blesses the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism today, we recall that the goodness of the Lord continues to pour out upon His people. Through these oils, God heals, strengthens, and sets apart His children. The Psalm is a song of faithful remembrance and joyful hope God does not forget His promises. Even when we falter, His covenant endures.
How deeply do I understand my own anointing in Christ? Have I embraced the mission to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted? Do I live my faith boldly, or do I shy away from proclaiming the Lord’s favor through my words and actions? As I witness the priesthood renewed today, how do I support and pray for those called to minister in Christ’s name? And most importantly, am I living as someone marked by the Spirit of the Lord? Today, as we step into the solemn mystery of the Triduum, let us walk with Christ who was anointed to serve, to heal, and to save. The Chrism Mass invites us to renew our own commitment to live as His disciples bold, compassionate, and filled with the Spirit. May our hearts echo the words of the Gospel: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Let it be fulfilled in our living.
Lord Jesus, You are the Anointed One, the fulfillment of the prophecy and the hope of all nations. On this Holy Thursday, as we remember Your sacred mission and the gift of the priesthood, rekindle within us the fire of our baptismal calling. Heal our wounds, strengthen our resolve, and anoint us anew with the oil of gladness. Make us faithful servants, courageous witnesses, and joyful proclaimers of Your Kingdom. Amen 🙏🏽
Reflection on the Scripture Readings for Holy Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Gospel Reading ~ John 13:1–15
Jesus loved them to the end
“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
“Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.” So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
In today’s Gospel reading, at the last supper Jesus gave His disciples the gift of Himself in loving service. He did this in two ways. Firstly, He washed their feet. This was a menial task that servants in a household usually performed. In washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus was showing that He was their servant, our servant. We usually think of Jesus as Lord. ‘Jesus is Lord’ is one of the great Christian confessions. How can a Lord do the work of a servant? This was why Peter objected to what Jesus was doing – ‘you will never wash my feet’. Peter, unlike children, could not receive the gift of Jesus’ service. However, Jesus was showing by this gesture that He exercises His Lordship not by ruling and dominating but by serving, by giving the gift of Himself. It was by giving the gift of Himself to us that He became our Lord. In laying down His garments to wash the feet of His disciples, Jesus was anticipating the greater gift He would give them the following day, when He would lay down His life for them and for us on the cross. The second way that Jesus gave the gift of Himself to His disciples at that last supper was when He gave Himself to them under the form of bread and wine. Taking bread, He blessed it and gave it to them saying, ‘Take and eat’. Taking a cup of wine, He blessed it and gave it to them and said, ‘Take and drink’. Like the washing of their feet, that gift of Himself under the form of bread and wine anticipated the gift of Himself that He would make to them and to all of us the following day on the cross. In allowing Jesus to wash their feet and in taking the bread and the cup, the disciples were receiving the gift of Himself that Jesus would give them from the cross. In receiving that gift they would never be the same again. They would now have to give as they had received.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today on this Holy Thursday, let us all be exemplary in our way of life and resolutely reject sin and all of the wickedness found all around us, as the mark of our obedience and our adherence to the path that the Lord has shown us. If we truly believe in the Lord and have faith in Him, then naturally we should strive our best to be worthy of Him, to do what is right and just in accordance to what He Himself has shown and taught us to do. As Christians, we should not be people of empty or shallow faith, but we must really ‘walk the talk’, in being sincere in loving God and in loving our fellow brothers and sisters, and in doing what God had told us to do. The mandatum or commandment that He has given to us is a reminder that each and every one of us as members of God’s Church have particular responsibilities and calling in our own lives, to do what we can so that we may inspire more and more people to come to believe in God as well, because they have seen God and His truth in us, in our actions and way of living. This is what we are reminded today, on this Holy Thursday evening, as we embark into the Easter Triduum and the culmination of our Lenten exercise and observance. May the Lord, our most loving God and Saviour continue to be with us, guiding us and strengthening us in our journey of faith, so that our every experiences and moments, especially during this Holy Week and Easter Triduum, be most enriching and inspirational, in allowing us to come ever closer to Him and to His salvation. May God be with us always and may He bless our days, our Easter Triduum, the upcoming Easter season and our lives beyond. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to become a model of the love of Christ for others, giving everything to others, putting their needs before ours, just as our Lord Jesus Christ gave us everything. May He grant us the strength to live faithfully the call to love one another as He has loved us. May He bless our every good efforts and endeavours, and bless our loved ones all around us. Wishing all of us a most blessed Easter Triduum, brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANICETUS, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT ROBERT OF MOLESMES, ABBOT; AND SAINT DONAN, MISSIONARY AND PRIEST – FEAST DAY: APRIL 17TH: Today, the Church honors three holy men of God whose lives, though shaped by different times and vocations, bore witness to unwavering love for Christ and the Church. Saint Anicetus, Pope and Martyr (defender of orthodoxy and unity in the early Church), led the faithful during a period of doctrinal division and suffered for the faith. Saint Robert of Molesmes, Abbot (reformer and co-founder of the Cistercian Order), longed for a purer observance of the Benedictine rule and helped birth a great monastic renewal. Saint Donan, Missionary and Priest (Celtic evangelizer and martyr), brought the Gospel to Scotland, where he and his companions paid the ultimate price for their faith. Each man reminds us that true discipleship is marked by fidelity, courage, and a heart set on heaven.
May their lives and intercession inspire us to stand firm in truth, pursue holiness with zeal, and remain faithful witnesses even in adversity. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ANICETUS, POPE AND MARTYR (DIED c. 168 AD): A Syrian from Emesa, Saint Anicetus served as the tenth successor of Saint Peter during a turbulent time in Church history. He opposed the spreading heresies of Marcion and Gnostic doctrines that threatened the integrity of the faith. His pontificate witnessed the early stages of the Easter controversy—whether to celebrate the Resurrection on Sunday or the Jewish Passover date. In humility and peace, Anicetus welcomed Saint Polycarp of Smyrna and allowed the Eastern tradition to persist, promoting unity without compromising truth. His leadership, courage, and doctrinal clarity left a lasting imprint on the Roman See. Though historical records on his martyrdom are unclear, tradition holds that he died a martyr’s death and was buried in the Cemetery of Callistus.
PRAYER: O God, who guided Saint Anicetus with wisdom and boldness to preserve the unity of the Church in the face of heresy, grant us his same zeal for truth. May we always strive for peace grounded in fidelity to the Gospel. Through his intercession, protect our Church and strengthen all those who defend the faith. Amen. 🙏🏽 Saint Anicetus, Pope and Martyr – Pray for us.
SAINT ROBERT OF MOLESMES, ABBOT (c. 1024–1111): Born to noble parents in France, Robert entered monastic life at a young age, becoming Prior and later Abbot. Yet his soul longed for a deeper observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. After multiple attempts at reform, Robert and several companions established a new monastery in Citeaux in 1098, marking the beginning of the Cistercian Order. With the guidance of Saint Alberic and Saint Stephen Harding, this movement sparked a renewal in monastic life, emphasizing simplicity, poverty, and prayer. Robert later returned to Molesmes, where he successfully implemented the reform he once struggled to realize. His dedication to evangelical perfection and love for God left a legacy that would shape centuries of monastic spirituality.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You called Saint Robert to renew the Church through the path of obedience and simplicity. Grant us the same fervor to seek holiness in the ordinary and reform our hearts according to Your will. May the spirit of monastic prayer and discipline inspire us to live more fully for You. Amen. 🙏🏽 Saint Robert of Molesmes, Abbot – Pray for us.
SAINT DONAN, MISSIONARY AND PRIEST (DIED 617 AD): A contemporary of Saint Columba, Donan was a Celtic missionary believed to have traveled from Ireland to western Scotland. There, he founded a vibrant monastic community on the island of Eigg. With fifty-two companions, he lived a life of evangelization, prayer, and charity. On Easter night in 617, the entire community was massacred possibly at the instigation of a local queen who viewed Donan’s influence as a threat. Their martyrdom, though shocking for the time, bore powerful witness to the Gospel’s transformative reach and the cost of discipleship.
PRAYER: Almighty God, You gave Saint Donan and his companions the courage to lay down their lives for the sake of the Gospel. Strengthen all missionaries with the fire of Your love. May we never fear persecution but trust always in Your promises. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint Anicetus, Saint Robert of Molesmes, and Saint Donan, Missionary and Priest ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF APRIL | MONTH OF HOLY EUCHARIST: April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offering Himself as the Bread of Life. This month invites us to deepen our love and reverence for the Eucharist, especially as we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, “Take and eat; this is My Body… Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). In receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and His Church. It is the source of our strength and the culmination of our salvation, as Christ Himself said in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” As we journey through Lent, we are called to renew our reverence for the Eucharist. During Holy Week, we remember that Christ instituted this sacrament on Holy Thursday, offering us a way to remain in union with Him. Let us take this opportunity to attend Mass regularly, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
In this season of penance and reflection, may our devotion to the Eucharist strengthen our commitment to living as true disciples of Christ, leading us to the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.
O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Lord Jesus, You have given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. May we receive You with reverence and love, and let Your grace transform us this Lenten season and always. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Let us pray for the leaders of the Church, that they may be courageous like Saint Anicetus, boldly guiding the faithful in truth and charity. We remember those discerning a vocation to monastic or missionary life, asking that the witness of Saint Robert of Molesmes inspire them to embrace holiness and a spirit of renewal. May missionaries across the world, especially those in dangerous or unreceptive places, find strength and protection through the intercession of Saint Donan and his companions. We also pray for unity among all Christians, that the humility and example of today’s saints may soften hearts and bring reconciliation to the Body of Christ. For all who suffer persecution because of their faith, may God grant them perseverance and peace. Finally, we ask for the grace to serve with joy, to lead with humility, and to remain faithful in every trial that comes our way. Amen 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY
My humble Lord, may Your name be praised and adored above all things. May You be exalted by Your humility and lowly service. I see in Your humble act, dear Lord, the deep love You have for me and for all. May I imitate that humble love in my own life so that my imitation of You will help to share Your saving love with others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You gave us courageous shepherds and faithful servants in Saint Anicetus, Saint Robert of Molesmes, and Saint Donan, who laid down their lives and desires in witness to Your truth and love. Inspired by their unwavering faith and sacrificial spirit, help us to remain steadfast in our calling, humble in leadership, and generous in love for others. Strengthen us to serve without seeking reward and to lead others by the integrity of our lives.
Lord Jesus, You revealed to Your disciples that greatness lies in serving others. Teach us to embrace the cross each day not as a burden, but as a path to resurrection. May we never seek to be first, but rather to be faithful. Give us the grace to follow You with the trust of a child, the strength of a martyr, and the discipline of a monk. Amen.
Jesus, Savior of the world, we trust in You. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Anicetus, Saint Robert of Molesmes, and Saint Donan ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the gift of this day and praying for us all during this final days of the Holy week, may God, our Crucified Christ, Our most loving Saviour, be with us all as we journey through this Holy Week, that we may come to share ever more deeply in the mysteries of His Passion, His suffering, death and Resurrection… Amen. Have a blessed, safe and grace-filled Holy Triduum🙏
Novena in preparation for DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. Good Friday is the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena. Novena begins Friday, April 18, 2025, to Saturday, April 26, 2025, leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, 2025 | Link ~https://divinemercy.life/the-divine-mercy-novena/
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: THE FEAST OF MERCY: Today is the eighth and final day of the Octave of Easter. On this day, the Octave of Easter, we celebrate the Feast of Mercy. From ancient times the Easter octave, culminating on the 8th day, has been centered on the theme of God’s mercy and forgiveness. The final day of the octave celebration of Easter is meant to be a day of thanksgiving to God for His goodness to mankind through the Paschal mystery, that is, the Passion, death, and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Second Sunday of Easter was named Divine Mercy Sunday by Pope St. John Paul II. On May 5, 2000, Pope Saint John Paul II decreed that the Second Sunday of Easter, the Octave of Easter, would be known as Divine Mercy Sunday following a request from Our Lord in His private revelations to St. Faustina Kowalska in Vilnius Lithuania.
The feast was established by the Pope after he canonized Saint Faustina, a humble Polish nun to whom Jesus revealed His message of divine mercy. On this day Jesus promised to open the floodgates of His inexhaustible mercy and shower abundant graces on those who participate in this feast day. A plenary indulgence is granted (under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father) to the faithful who, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus.
The Original Image of Divine Mercy is venerated in the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Vilnius, Lithuania. What is spelled out in the Original Image of Divine Mercy is that Divine Mercy comes from the Body of Christ. And the Mystical Body of Christ is the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. And that Divine Mercy flows from the Mystical Body of Christ through the hands of the Holy Catholic Priesthood, in, with, and through Jesus, who is the High Priest.
Saint Faustina writes in her Diary:
On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened (Diary #699).
“He who knows how to forgive prepares for himself many graces from God. As often as I look upon the cross, so often will I forgive with all my heart.” ~ Diary 390
“Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.”
“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”… Amen 🙏🏽
Jesus, I trust in You!
Prayer for Trust in The Divine Mercy of God
Most merciful Jesus, I turn to You in my need. You are worthy of my complete trust. You are faithful in all things. When my life is filled with confusion, give me clarity and faith. When I am tempted to despair, fill my soul with hope.
Most merciful Jesus, I trust You in all things. I trust in Your perfect plan for my life. I trust You when I cannot comprehend Your divine will. I trust You when all feels lost. Jesus, I trust You more than I trust myself.
Most merciful Jesus, You are all-knowing. Nothing is beyond Your sight. You are all-loving. Nothing in my life is beyond Your concern. You are all-powerful. Nothing is beyond Your grace.
Most merciful Jesus, I trust in You, I trust in You, I trust in You. May I trust You always and in all things. May I daily surrender to Your Divine Mercy.
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, Pray for us as we turn to you in our need. Amen 🙏🏽
The Divine Mercy Novena is a treasured Catholic devotion that leads the faithful into a deeper understanding and trust in God’s boundless mercy. Spanning nine days of intentional prayer, this novena is a spiritual preparation for Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast that celebrates God’s loving desire to forgive, heal, and restore.
For 2025, the Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday, April 18, and concludes on Saturday, April 26, the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday.
What Is a Novena?
A novena derived from the Latin word novem, meaning “nine” is a devotional act of prayer over nine consecutive days. It is one of the oldest forms of Christian prayer, reflecting the nine days the disciples and Mary spent in prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:14).
Novenas are offered for various reasons, including:
Seeking a specific grace or favor,
Preparing for a major feast or celebration,
Honoring a saint or divine attribute,
Mourning the dead,
Expressing thanksgiving to God.
The Divine Mercy Message
The Divine Mercy devotion stems from the visions and writings of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun to whom Jesus revealed His desire to pour out His mercy upon the world. In her diary, Jesus instructed her to pray a novena of mercy, starting on Good Friday, with a special intention for each day. These intentions include various groups such as sinners, priests, souls in purgatory, the faithful, and those who have distanced themselves from God.
At the heart of this devotion is the prayer: “Jesus, I trust in You.”
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Novena
The novena includes:
A daily intention, as revealed to St. Faustina.
The recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which is usually prayed on Rosary beads.
Optional reflections from the Diary of St. Faustina or meditative prayers.
Many Catholics pray this novena at 3:00 p.m., the Hour of Mercy, to commemorate the hour of Christ’s death—a powerful time for prayer and reflection.
Daily Intentions for the Divine Mercy Novena
Jesus revealed to St. Faustina specific prayer intentions for each day of the novena, inviting the faithful to bring different groups of souls into the ocean of His mercy:
Day 1 (Good Friday): Pray for all mankind, especially sinners.
Day 2 (Holy Saturday): Pray for the souls of priests and religious.
Day 3 (Easter Sunday): Pray for all devout and faithful souls.
Day 4 (Easter Monday): Pray for those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Jesus.
Day 5 (Easter Tuesday): Pray for the souls of those who have separated themselves from the Church.
Day 6 (Easter Wednesday): Pray for the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children.
Day 7 (Easter Thursday): Pray for the souls who especially venerate and glorify God’s mercy.
Day 8 (Easter Friday): Pray for the souls detained in purgatory.
Day 9 (Easter Saturday): Pray for the souls who have become lukewarm.
Each day’s prayers can be paired with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, offering it for the specific group mentioned. This structure invites us to pray not only for ourselves but for the whole Church and the entire world, embracing the universal call to mercy.
Why This Novena Matters
The Divine Mercy Novena is a beautiful reminder that no one is beyond God’s mercy. It is an invitation to intercede not only for ourselves but also for the world, asking God to soften hearts, bring healing, and renew souls. It helps us grow in humility, trust, and compassion, drawing us into the very heart of Christ who said:
“The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.” —Jesus to St. Faustina
Whether you are new to this devotion or returning to it once again, the Divine Mercy Novena is a powerful journey of hope and healing. It draws us closer to God—not with fear, but with confidence in His love.
Merciful Jesus, You have poured out upon the world a river of mercy and grace through Your passion, death, and resurrection. As we journey through this novena, open our hearts to trust in You more deeply, to bring the broken and the forgotten before Your throne, and to believe in the power of Your love. May we never tire of seeking You or offering You to others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.🙏🏽
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, marks the beginning of the Sacred Triduum—three solemn days that commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. It starts with the Chrism Mass. The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” taken from Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday, is where the Easter tridium begins and it starts with the Chrism Mass.
It is a night of profound mystery, where divine love is revealed not through thunder or glory, but through humble service and self-giving.
The Significance of Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday stands at the heart of our faith because it is the night in which Jesus gave us three of His greatest gifts—each one a foundation of Christian life.
The Institution of the Holy Eucharist – Jesus transformed bread and wine into His Body and Blood and handed Himself over in the most intimate way possible. Through this, He remains with us always, even until the end of time.
The Institution of the Priesthood – Through this, the Eucharistic mystery continues to be made present at every Mass. Christ ordained His apostles and gave them the sacred duty to “do this in memory of Me,” ensuring that the gift of the Eucharist would never cease.
The Call to Sacrificial Love – Shown through the washing of feet, a gesture of radical humility. In stooping to cleanse His disciples, Jesus redefined greatness, teaching us that love is not found in dominance, but in service.
Holy Thursday is a night where eternity touches time. It is a moment of divine intimacy—a celebration of love, service, and the divine presence that sustains us through life’s trials. This day invites us to enter into the mystery of Christ’s love, not as observers, but as participants who receive, remember, and respond.
On this night, we recall three pillars of our Catholic faith instituted by Christ: – the Priesthood, – the Holy Eucharist, and – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The Chrism Mass, often celebrated earlier in the day, gathers priests around their bishop to renew their priestly vows and receive the holy oils that will be used throughout the year. In the evening, the Church celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorating that sacred meal where Jesus gave us His Body and Blood under the signs of bread and wine, becoming our eternal High Priest and the perfect sacrificial Lamb.
But Holy Thursday is more than a ritual. It is a mirror held up to our souls. Jesus, the Master, knelt to wash the feet of His disciples—including the one who would betray Him. In doing so, He showed us what love truly means—not power, not prestige, but humble service. He invites us to do the same.
We also remember the sorrow that shadowed this holy night: – the prediction of Judas’ betrayal, – Peter’s denial, and – the apostles’ confusion.
Still, Jesus remained steadfast. After the Supper, He went into the Garden of Gethsemane, inviting His closest friends to watch and pray with Him. They fell asleep. He remained alone in agony, His soul sorrowful unto death. Yet He still said, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
As we reflect on the events of this night—the paschal meal, the washing of feet, the institution of the Eucharist and Holy Orders, the prediction of betrayal and denial, the priestly prayer of Christ, and His agony in the garden—we are invited not just to remember, but to enter in. To stay awake. To pray. To love.
Holy Thursday calls us to ask ourselves: – Have I received the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude? – Do I serve others with the humility Christ showed? – Have I grown cold in my response to His love? – Do I, like the disciples, struggle to keep watch with Him in prayer?
Tonight, as the altar is stripped and the Blessed Sacrament is carried to the Altar of Repose, we are invited into silence. Into mystery. Into love poured out. Christ invites us to remain with Him—not just in memory, but in heart. Let us keep vigil. Let us love as He loved. Let us not turn away.
PRAYER MEDITATION FOR HOLY THURSDAY
My Most Precious Lord Jesus, this night You gathered with Your Apostles to share with them Your last meal. But this was no ordinary meal. This was the gift of Your most Sacred Body and Blood, soon to be broken and poured out on the Cross for the salvation of the world.
Allow me, dear Lord, to spend this night in prayer and meditation with You. After the meal, You invited Your Apostles to join You for one hour, to stay awake and keep vigil as You prepared for Your arrest. The Apostles fell asleep, leaving You in Your bitter agony alone.
I accept Your gentle invitation of love, dear Lord, to spend this night in vigil with You. May I enter Your Heart as it faced the coming persecution You were to endure for my sins. May I console Your Sacred Heart and know the love and Mercy that flowed forth.
Lord, when I face the crosses of my own life, give me Your divine courage and strength to say “Yes” to the Will of the Father. Your love for me is abundant and is perfect in every way. Help me to know that love, to embrace it and to allow it into my life.
I make my vigil with You this night, dear Lord. I love You, help me to love You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Watch “HOLY CHRISM MASS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL DOMENICO CALCAGNO | WITH POPE FRANCIS HOMILY | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 17, 2025” |
Chrism Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, President emeritus of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.
What is the Chrism Mass? The Chrism Mass is a solemn and sacred liturgy usually celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, though some dioceses celebrate it earlier during Holy Week. It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum and serves as a profound expression of the Church’s unity, especially between the bishop and his priests. During this Mass, the holy oils used throughout the liturgical year are blessed or consecrated.
A Glimpse into History The origins of the Chrism Mass trace back to the early centuries of the Church. One of the earliest records is found in the Old Gelasian Sacramentary, with a more developed form present in the Gellone Sacramentary around 780 AD. From these ancient texts, we understand how the blessing and consecration of oils have long been a vital part of the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life.
What Happens During the Chrism Mass?
Consecration of the Holy Chrism: The bishop mixes olive oil with balsam, then breathes over it a gesture symbolizing the Holy Spirit and consecrates it with a solemn prayer. This sacred chrism is used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It also anoints altars and churches, marking them as holy.
Blessing of the Oil of Catechumens: This oil is used to strengthen and prepare those who are about to be baptized, equipping them to renounce sin and embrace Christ.
Blessing of the Oil of the Sick: Used in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, this oil brings healing, peace, and strength to those suffering in body or spirit.
Renewal of Priestly Vows: Priests from across the diocese gather around their bishop to publicly renew their priestly promises. It is a moment of unity, thanksgiving, and commitment to serve the faithful in imitation of Christ.
Symbol of Unity: The Chrism Mass beautifully illustrates the communion of the Church—the bishop, his priests, and the faithful—united in mission and love. The sacred oils are later distributed to parishes, connecting every local celebration of the sacraments to this one diocesan act.
Why It Matters The Chrism Mass is not only a celebration of the ordained priesthood—it is also an invitation for every baptized person to reflect on their own baptismal calling. In Baptism and Confirmation, we are anointed with holy chrism and commissioned to share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king. As we witness the consecration of oils and the renewal of priestly vows, we are reminded of our own role in the Church and our duty to bring Christ’s love, healing, and truth to the world.
Have I responded to my baptismal calling with love and faithfulness? Do I bring healing and joy to those who suffer? Do I recognize the priesthood of all believers in my daily life?
This is a moment of grace a time to recommit ourselves to the mission of Christ.
Spiritual Reflection Though we may not all be priests, we are all anointed in Baptism and Confirmation. The Chrism Mass is a reminder that every Christian is called to live as a priestly people, set apart to bring Christ’s light to the world through prayer, witness, and service.
We are invited to reflect:
Do I honor the sacraments I have received with deep gratitude?
How am I living out my call as an anointed disciple?
Do I pray for my priests and encourage their vocation?
A Night of Love and Sacrifice Later on Holy Thursday, the Church celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorating the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. Jesus, knowing the hour had come, gave us His very self in the form of bread and wine a mystery of divine presence that nourishes our souls.
In the washing of the disciples’ feet, He gave us a model of humble service. He showed us that true greatness lies in stooping to serve others, even those who betray or abandon us.
Let us enter this holy night with humility and gratitude, responding with love to the infinite love poured out for us.
Chrism Mass Readings – Reflections
First Reading – Isaiah 61:1–3, 6, 8–9 This powerful passage speaks of the Lord anointing His servant with the Spirit to bring good news to the poor, healing to the brokenhearted, and liberty to captives. It sets the tone for the Chrism Mass, emphasizing anointing and mission. The passage also refers to God’s people being called “priests of the Lord,” reminding us of our priestly identity in Christ.
Second Reading – Revelation (Apocalypse) 1:5–8 This reading exalts Jesus as the faithful witness and ruler of all kings. It reminds us that through His love and sacrifice, He has freed us from sin and made us a kingdom of priests for His Father. This connects beautifully with the consecration of the oils and the priestly mission emphasized in the Chrism Mass.
Gospel – Luke 4:16–21 Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and boldly proclaims that the scripture has been fulfilled in Him. This moment reveals His divine mission as the Anointed One the Christ and aligns directly with the themes of healing, liberation, and proclamation present in the first reading and the entire Chrism celebration.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Readings – Reflections
First Reading – Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14 This passage narrates the first Passover in Egypt. God gives Moses detailed instructions for the meal, which marks the beginning of Israel’s liberation. The blood of the lamb is a sign of protection. This reading prefigures the Eucharist, where Jesus becomes the true Paschal Lamb whose blood saves us.
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 St. Paul recounts the institution of the Eucharist, highlighting Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This is my body… This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood.” These sacred words are the foundation of our Mass and Eucharistic worship. Every time we partake of this meal, we proclaim the Lord’s death and resurrection.
Gospel – John 13:1–15 Instead of narrating the institution of the Eucharist, John’s Gospel focuses on the washing of the disciples’ feet. Jesus takes the posture of a servant and teaches by example: to love one another through humble service. It’s a radical message about the kind of love that should define Christian discipleship.
Together, the Chrism Mass and the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper invite us to ponder the mystery of Christ’s love poured out in service and sacrifice. May we approach these sacred moments not as spectators, but as participants—anointed, called, and sent to live the Gospel with courage and compassion.
The Chrism Mass, celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, is a profound expression of the unity of the priesthood and the Church. In his 2025 homily, Pope Francis, through the voice of Cardinal Calcagno, reminded us that Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, enters into our human story with love and mission. Addressing priests, the Pope emphasized that our lives and ministries only find meaning when rooted in Christ, who continues to proclaim liberty and healing through us. The sacred oils blessed in this Mass—especially the Chrism—are signs of God’s grace poured out for the people of God. This celebration is a renewal of priestly commitment and a call to joyful, hope-filled service, rooted not in clericalism but in closeness to the people, bearing the good news in both word and life.
Watch “HOLY MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL MAURO GAMBETTI | APRIL 17, 2025” |
Holy Mass of the Lord’s Supper from St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican and Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City.
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANICETUS, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT ROBERT OF MOLESMES, ABBOT; AND SAINT DONAN, MISSIONARY AND PRIEST – FEAST DAY: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Anicetus, Pope, Martyr; Saint Robert of Molesmes, Abbot and Saint Donan, Missionary and Priest. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners and for Christians all over the world, especially during these incredibly challenging times.
O God, who open wide the gates of the heavenly Kingdom to those reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, pour out on your servants an increase of the grace you have bestowed, that, having been purged of all sins, they may lack nothing that in your kindness you have promised. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever… Amen🙏
SAINT ANICETUS, POPE, MARTYR: St. Anicetus was a Syrian from Emesa (modern-day Homs). He became pope about 155 to his death in April 168. He was St. Peter’s tenth successor who defended the Church against the heresies of Valentine and Marcion, actively opposed Marcionism and Gnosticism. He suffered tribulations. His pontificate saw the appearance of the controversy between East and West over the date of Easter. St. Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of John, is reported to have visited him in Rome to discuss the Easter controversy. Polycarp and his Church of Smyrna celebrated the crucifixion on the fourteenth day of Nisan, which coincides with Pesach (or Passover) regardless of which day of the week upon this date fell, while the Roman Church celebrated Easter on Sunday—the weekday of Jesus’s resurrection. The two did not agree on a common date, but Anicetus conceded to Polycarp and the Church of Smyrna the ability to retain the date to which they were accustomed. The controversy was to grow heated in the following centuries.
The Christian historian Hegesippus also visited Rome during Anicetus’s pontificate. This visit is often cited as a sign of the early importance of the Roman See. St. Anicetus actively opposed the Gnostics and Marcionism. The Liber Pontificalis records that Anicetus decreed that priests are not allowed to have long hair (perhaps because the Gnostics wore long hair). According to church tradition, Anicetus suffered martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Lucius Verus, but there are no historical grounds for this account. April 16, 17 and 20 April are all cited as the date of his death. St. Anicetus died in April of 168 and he was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.
Saint Anicetus, Pope and Martyr ~ Pray for us🙏
SAINT ROBERT OF MOLESMES, ABBOT: St. Robert was born of noble parents in France about 1024, Robert became a Benedictine at Moutier-la-Celle when he was fifteen. Such was the religious dedication of the young man that when he had completed his novitiate, he was named Prior. Later, he was made Abbot of St. Michael of Tonnere. Yet something was missing in Robert’s life. He was desperately trying, but not succeeding, in promoting the observance of a stricter interpretation of the Benedictine Rule. Finally, about 1075, he established a monastery at Molesmes in Burgundy, but here too he did not succeed in his great quest—at least not initially.
In 1098, impelled by the love of God, and his great faith in the Rule of St. Benedict. Robert took St. Alberic, St. Stephen Harding, and others of his monks and traveled to the forest of Citeaux where he started over again. This time, he was successful—in eighteen months he was able to leave the rule of the monastery in the hands of Alberic and Stephen. This was the beginning of the Cistercian movement, and its greatest representative, St. Bernard, was in the near future to come to Citeaux and make it the center of the Christian world of that time. St. Robert was then able to return to Molesmes and be successful there too with his reform. This great lover of God and founder of a dedicated Order died on March 21, 1111, and was canonized in 1222.
PRAYER: Lord, amid the things of this world, let us be wholeheartedly committed to heavenly things in imitation of the example of evangelical perfection You have given us in St. Robert the Abbot. Amen🙏
SAINT DONAN, MISSIONARY AND PRIEST: St. Donan (d. 617 A.D.), also known as St. Donnán of Eigg, was a prominent Celtic missionary and Gaelic priest. Little is known of his life except that he was likely an Irishman who traveled as a missionary throughout Galloway and northward along the west coast of Scotland. He is thought to have been a contemporary of St. Columba. Donan formed a religious community on the tiny northwest island of Eigg in Scotland. The community grew to fifty-two men.
One year, after celebrating the Easter Vigil Mass, they were unexpectedly attacked and martyred either by pirates or a band of Viking raiders. Tradition holds that the community was gathered together and killed in the refectory on the night of April 17, 617. The martyrdom of Christian missionaries at this time was rare, leading many to suspect the attack was instigated by a malicious local queen who viewed St. Donan and his monks as a threat to her power. His feast day is April 17.
