Journey Toward the Cross

Lent and Holy Week is a 40-day season of penitence and preparation, which includes many ancient Christian traditions. It focuses on self-examination, fasting, and intense prayer leading up to the celebration of the Resurrection.

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The Season of Lent

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays.

 

Ash Wednesday

Marked by the imposition of ashes on the forehead as a symbol of mortality and repentance.

 

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

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Lenten Disciplines

Common practices include fasting, abstinence from certain foods or luxuries, increased almsgiving, and additional Bible study or devotions.

 

Liturgical Changes

The color purple (signifying penitence) is used for vestments and altar hangings. The word "Alleluia" and the Gloria in excelsis are typically omitted from services.

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Passiontide

Traditionally, the final two weeks of Lent (starting on the fifth Sunday) are known as Passiontide, where the focus shifts more specifically toward Christ's suffering.

 

 

Holy Week

Holy Week is the final week of Lent, beginning on Palm Sunday and following the path of Jesus toward the cross.

 

Palm Sunday

Commemorates Christ’s entry into Jerusalem with a procession of palms and a reading of the Passion narrative.

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“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

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“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

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“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

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Maundy Thursday

Marks the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. Worship service concludes with stripping of the altar.

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“Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

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“Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

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Good Friday

A day of deep solemnity remembering the Crucifixion. Common devotions include the Stations of the Cross and the Veneration of the Cross.

 

"Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani".

 

"It is finished"

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Holy Saturday

A day of quiet waiting. The liturgical year culminates in the Great Vigil of Easter after sunset, featuring the lighting of the new fire and the first "Alleluia" of Easter.​​

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