Quick Bytes
- Priests offer advice for a meaningful Holy Week experience.
- Attending Triduum liturgies and additional prayer recommended.
- Creating a prayerful environment at home emphasized.
Engaging in Holy Week
As the Catholic community prepares for Easter, two priests have shared insights on how to deeply engage with the spiritual significance of Holy Week. Fr. Gary Benz from the Diocese of Bismarck encourages participation in the Triduum liturgies, which include Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Holy Saturday Vigil. He emphasizes the importance of this experience to understand the paschal mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.
Prayer and Liturgies
Fr. Benz suggests that Catholics should try to attend these liturgies and engage in extended prayer opportunities provided by churches. He specifically mentions the altar of reposition on Holy Thursday for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, urging families to spend time in adoration together.
Holy Saturday Reflections
Fr. Daniel Ciucci of the Archdiocese of Denver recommends the Church’s Office of Readings for Holy Saturday, particularly an ancient homily titled ‘Something Strange is Happening’ to enrich the Holy Saturday contemplation.
Good Friday Traditions
On Good Friday, Fr. Benz notes the tradition of venerating the crucified Christ and suggests praying the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary. He also mentions an old European tradition of maintaining a mournful and prayerful silence from Good Friday until the Easter Vigil to honor the time Christ spent in the tomb.
Creating a Prayerful Home
The priests advise creating a prayerful environment at home by reducing the use of technology and maintaining silence as a form of anticipation and respect for the resurrection.
