In Catholic doctrine, Palm Sunday ushers in Holy Week, a sacred time in the liturgical calendar. Jesus, humbly riding on a donkey, enters Jerusalem and is welcomed with the waving of palms and joyful praise. Ironically, it is these same voices that later cry out: “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
In a 2023 homily, the late Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’ abandonment, calling on the faithful to open their eyes and hearts to those who feel forsaken, reminding that God forgives every sin.
Maundy (Holy) Thursday begins the Easter Triduum — the three days leading to Jesus’ resurrection. Known as the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, it commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. A notable part of the liturgy is the “Washing of the Feet,” an annual rite performed by the parish priest on 12 parishioners, following Jesus’ example of humility and selfless love.
Traditionally, only men were chosen for this rite. However, in 2016, Pope Francis issued a decree allowing women to be included.
At the end of the Mass, the consecrated hosts remain, while the altar is stripped bare. As incense fills the church, the Blessed Sacrament is transferred to a separate chapel for adoration.
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Also known as Great Friday or Holy Friday, this solemn day of the Paschal Triduum recounts the suffering and death of Jesus.
Roman soldiers, guided by Judas Iscariot, came to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas had agreed to identify Him with a kiss in exchange for 30 pieces of silver.
Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin, where He was questioned by the high priest: “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus replied, “You have said so.”
He was condemned for blasphemy and sentenced to death. Jesus was then brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and later to Herod. Both found no fault in Him, yet the crowd demanded His crucifixion. Pressured to prevent unrest, Pilate ultimately consented.
Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, where He was crucified between two thieves. He suffered for three hours — from noon until 3 p.m. — as darkness fell over the land. The temple curtain was torn from top to bottom.
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin and a secret follower of Jesus, took His body and placed it in a tomb.
On the third day, Jesus rose again in glorious resurrection.
Happy Easter.