PALM SUNDAY
The Church recalls the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem to accomplish his paschal mystery. The Palms which are blessed today are to be kept in our houses until Ash Wednesday next year when they will be gathered, burnt and applied on our foreheads.
Note: That Lent continues until Holy or Maundy Thursday.
MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK
The three weekdays of Holy Week, that is, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are known as the Preparation Days. They are meant to prepare us spiritually for the holy days to come. Tradition has it that during these three days the sacrament of reconciliation is received.(Holy Week Ceremonies Explained, Peter Uchu, 27)
Monday: Jesus Christ visited Bethany and had supper with his friends, just six days before the Passover. Tuesday: The prayer and readings of Tuesday’s liturgy emphasize the Lord’s passion to the end.(Uchu 27)
Wednesday is known as the Betrayal or Spy Wednesday. It is in the middle of the Holy Week as one that looks backward and forward. Like the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Wednesday is like the entry into the Triduum, the actual mission of Jesus Christ is about to begin.(Uchu 27).
THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM: HOLY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY AND HOLY SATURDAY.
Holy Thursday: Only two masses (one in the morning and the other in the evening) are celebrated on this day, namely, Chrism Mass and Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Chrism Mass is the Mass in which the Bishop concelebrates with his priests and it is a manifestation of the Priests’ communion with their Bishop. At this Mass, the blessing of the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Holy Chrism take place. Priests also renew their priestly promises. It is a day of celebrating the Priesthood. Please, do appreciate your priests on that day.
Note: in Abuja Archdiocese, Chrism Mass is being celebrated on Wednesday for pastoral reason. Some dioceses too for pastoral reason celebrate it on another day other then Holy Thursday..
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum. It is divided into four parts: the Liturgy of the word, the Washing of Feet, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Priest gives a homily in which light is shed on the principal mysteries that are commemorated in this Mass, namely, the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priestly Order, and the commandment of the Lord concerning fraternal charity. After the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament, the faithful are invited to continue adoration before the Blessed Sacrament for a suitable length of time during the night, but after midnight the adoration should take place without solemnity.
GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday and the following day, that is Holy Saturday, by a most ancient tradition, the Church does not celebrate the Sacraments at all, except for Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. The celebration of the Passion of the Lord is divided into three parts: liturgy of the word, the Adoration of the Holy Cross and Holy Communion.
Note: for the dismissal, all after genuflecting to the Cross depart in silence.
HOLY SATURDAY
It is highly appropriate that the Office of readings and Lauds be celebrated in solemn fashion with the people. On Holy Saturday the Church waits at the Lord’s tomb, meditating upon his passion, death and descent into Hell, awaiting in prayer and fasting his Resurrection. No celebration of other Sacraments except for penance and the anointing of the sick.
On Holy Saturday morning too, the elect are expected to gather together for reflection and prayer. Some or all of the following rites may be celebrated as an immediate preparation for the sacraments: the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer, if it has been deferred, the return or recitation of the Creed, the ephphetha rite and the choosing of a baptismal name. The elect are to be advised that on Holy Saturday they should refrain from their usual activities, spend time in prayer and reflection and, as far as they can, observe a fast.
THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT
The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night is divided into parts: The Solemn Beginning of the Vigil or Lucernarium (the blessing of the fire and preparation of the Candle, Procession, the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet), Liturgy of the Word, Baptism Liturgy and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I trust you and I love you all.