| HOLY WEEK is the week
during Lent before Easter Sunday. It begins with Palm
Sunday and is considered the most holy of weeks during the
entire church year.
Holy Week was officially called
Passion Week for many years since Christians ponder the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ during this time. Early
mention of this holy time is found in the writings of Saint
Athanasius. By the 3rd century, holy week began on Good
Friday and was concluded with Easter celebrations. By the
6th century, Holy Thursday had been added and holy week had been
stretched to the full week.
On Palm Sunday, Catholics receive
pieces of blessed palm branches and recall Jesus' entry into the
city of Jerusalem. Holy Thursday celebrates the Last
Supper of Jesus with his apostles, and centers on his gift of
the Eucharist. Holy Thursday is the day on which the
Catholic priesthood was instituted. On God Friday Catholics
are invited to think about the death of Jesus during bible
readings and a litany of special prayers. Veneration of
the cross is an important aspect of Good Friday services.
From mid-afternoon Friday until the end of the Easter Vigil,
Catholics believe that Jesus' body was in the tomb.
On Holy Saturday night the Paschal
candle is lit, baptismal promises are renewed, and converts are
often baptized and confirmed. The night is know as the
East Vigil. |
