March 27, 2026

Holy Week is the week that changed the world. As we enter this most important week of the year, we invite you to reflect on its powerful significance and how it leads us to the heart of our faith. In these sacred days, the Church does not simply recall past events, but invites us to enter into the saving mysteries of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. This is the holiest time of the year, when we walk closely with the Lord and contemplate the immeasurable love by which He redeemed the world.

Palm Sunday begins with a joyful procession of palms and the solemn reading of the Passion. We turn our hearts to Jerusalem and join the crowds shouting, “Hosanna!” Christ entered the Holy City to suffer, die, and rise again, so that we might be saved. This day reminds us to follow Him faithfully to the new and eternal Jerusalem: Heaven. It also reminds us how quickly human hearts can change, and calls us to remain steadfast in our love for Christ, not only in moments of joy and praise, but also in times of trial and suffering.

The Chrism Mass is celebrated by Bishop Brennan on Tuesday. The oils used in the Sacraments are blessed, and priests from across the diocese renew their promises. This beautiful liturgy reminds us of our own baptismal anointing and the priestly ministry Christ continues through His Church. It is a powerful sign of the unity of the diocesan family gathered around its bishop, and of the grace of the Holy Spirit still at work in the life of the Church.

Holy Thursday marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Paschal Triduum. We gather to remember the gift of the priesthood and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. With the washing of feet, we recall Christ’s command to love as He has loved us. After Mass, we keep watch with Jesus at the altar of repose, accompanying Him in His agony in the garden. On this night, we are drawn into the mystery of a love that humbles itself completely and gives itself without reserve.

Good Friday is the day we fix our gaze on the Cross. In silence and solemnity, we venerate the wood on which hung our salvation. Through the reading of the Passion and the reception of Holy Communion, we unite our own sufferings to Christ and die to sin with Him. Though it is a day marked by sorrow, it is also filled with hope, for the Cross reveals the depth of God’s mercy and the price of our redemption. Here we see that love is stronger than sin, and that even death itself is not the end.

Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday are the heart of the Christian year. At the Vigil, the “Mother of all Vigils,” we rejoice in the light of Christ, hear the story of our salvation, welcome new members into the Church through Baptism, and celebrate the Resurrection. On Easter morning, we echo the joy of the empty tomb: The Lord is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! In the Resurrection, everything is made new. Sin is conquered, death is destroyed, and hope is restored. Holy Week leads us at last to the triumph of Easter, where the Church proclaims with joy that Christ is alive, and because He lives, we too may have life in His name.