Holy Week this year is observed worldwide starting on Monday, April 11, then onto Shrove Tuesday, Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday (today), then Good Friday, Black Saturday, and glorious Easter Sunday (April 17).
Maundy is derived from the Latin word, “mandatum” or commandment, reflecting Jesus’ words, ”l give you a new commandment.” Maundy Thursday initiates the Easter Triduum, the period which commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Today celebrates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, where He instituted the Holy Eucharist In the Washing of the Feet of His 12 disciples. He taught them the ultimate act of “servant leadership.” To this day, at altars around the world, the priest washes the feet of twelve members of the community as a commemoration of His humble act.
In our somber and solemn mindset, we welcome Good Friday tomorrow.
Why call the day of Jesus’ death Good Friday? Some believe it came from an older name, “God’s Friday.” Regardless of its origin, Jesus was raised from the dead, and this signified His victory over sin and death, in anticipation of a glorious resurrection and freedom from bondage. Heaven is now available to all of us!
Good Friday marks the day when despair and mercy meet at the Cross.
That’s why Good Friday is so black and so good!
We culminate this read with a Holy Week 2022 Schedule, courtesy of the Redemptorist Parish (Our Lady of Perpetual Help), Cebu City:
Holy Thursday
4 p.m. - Cebuano Mass
6 p.m. - English Mass (Altar of Repose follows after)
Good Friday
4 a.m. - Via Crucis (Parish-wide)
9 a.m. - Via Crucis (Church-wide)
8 p.m. - Easter Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday
Mass: 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Holy Week confession schedule
Holy Thursday - 8 to 11 a.m. (Individual Confession)
11 a.m. - Sacrament of Reconciliation with General Absolution
2 to 4 p.m. - Individual Confession
Good Friday - 8 to 11 a.m. (Individual Confession)
Have a glorious, happy and healthy Easter everyone!