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Email a FriendReading at Holy Thursday Mass and serving as a Eucharistic Minister at the Easter Vigil are my favorite parts of the Triduum. Our parish has a wonderful Good Friday Concert/Stations of the Cross Through the Eyes of Mary. I also enjoy the Easter Food Blessing on Holy Saturday Morning. I guess the whole three days are my favorite!!!
Holy Week Observances
What's your favorite?
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 8:01 PM
As we enter into the observances for Holy Week, I’m wondering what you look forward to most? There are so many facets to the Easter Triduum!
As for me, I think what I love most each year is the Cross Walk we have in our neighborhood. It’s very powerful for me to wander the two-mile loop, walking quietly with friends and neighbors and reflecting on the Passion of our Lord.
What about you?
Comments
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Posted by Kristine on Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 7:51 AM (EDT):
I have to be honest. I found it hard to get out of bed this morning—overwhelmed with all the musical commitments I have associated with the beautiful week. (For me an my kids.) It’s just been nonstop these past few weeks, and it doesn’t help we have to gather our oldest daughter from college, then get her back for exams, etc. This is no doubt liturgically the most beautiful week, but I’m feeling the stress of it a little more than usual. (Might have to do with the unpredictability of juggling an active feverish toddler and preschooler ... too.) A few prayers would be helpful. 
I love the feet washing on Holy Thursday. In our parish, anyone can come forward to have their feet washed by our priests or deacon, and I always love to watch who comes forwarded - their faces and demeanors. Old and young alike are touched by the experience of having the leader of our parish do them such a humble service. Last year, a father brought forward his infant son (who we knew was struggling with health issues) and to see the pastor wash this tiny foot brought tears to my eyes. I love those moments when Christ just breaks through in our liturgies!
Posted by Patricia on Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 9:42 AM (EDT):
Great & Holy Thursday, which begins with the celebration of Vespers & the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. In the evening, anticipating Friday morning Matins, there is the Holy Passion service of the reading of the Twelve Gospels. In these readings, Christ’s last instructions to his disciples are presented, as well as the prophecy of the drama of the Cross, Christ’s prayer, & His new commandment.
Great & Holy Friday with Vespers & the Cross presented for veneration. Many come forward on their knees to bow or prostrate before the Cross before kissing it. There is also an outdoor procession where the priest carries the plaschinitza (burial cloth of Christ, similar to the shroud) over his shoulders & draped down his back while the altar boys process with candles & incense. One of the altar boys makes the solemn, mournful & rhythmic sound with the crotalus (hand-held wooden clapper), symbolizing the pounding of the nails when they crucified Jesus, while parishioner follow behind.
Posted by Kathleen on Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 11:07 AM (EDT):
Holy Thursday is my favorite mass of the year. At our home parish, anyone can have their foot washed.We wash each other’s feet. It is very moving. Last year my son and I visited seven churches on Holy Thursday. It was very interesting to see how every parish did their altar of repose. I know that it isn’t possible for most people to do this but if you live in a city with a large Catholic population it is a lovely tradition. Hope to take my little guy this year too.
I like Holy Thursday Mass. This year I am a bit nervous though. They asked me to be one of the people getting their feet washed. I said, “yes” but I feel like it’s going to be a very humbling experience and I’ve had my fair share of humbling experiences this Lent. I know I am being a bit silly about it. Here’s the other thing, I don’t like my feet, so having either Deacon or Father that close, well, humbling.
I know, get over myself. I am excited for Easter Vigil this year as my sweet friend is coming into the Church and I am her godmother/sponsor.
Posted by Marie M on Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 10:49 PM (EDT):
At our old parish (recently merged) in years past at the Holy Saturday Vigil Mass, there was placed a huge curtain which obscured the whole front of the Church altar, with the exception of the ambo and a few chairs for the priests and servers. The whole first part of the Mass, beginning in darkness, then through all the myriad of readings and during the chanting of the Exultet (which is my VERY favorite part of the Triduum—“Oh happy fault! O necessary sin of Adam”) was done in front of this curtain. Then at the Gloria, all the bells would ring, and the curtain would be “torn” away to reveal the beautfiully decorated altar, and Mass would proceed from there. Oh how I long for those days!! But I am also excited to see how things will be done in our new parish.
Posted by Karen S. on Thursday, Apr 21, 2011 1:43 PM (EDT):
They used to have something similar to this at Franciscan U. They’d cover the flowers, cross, and everything, and then at the Gloria uncover it all as they lights were turned on in the fieldhouse, and bring more flowers to the altar.
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