The Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate
Holy Week 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Holy Week is the very heart of the entire Church year. The very word “Holy” highlights this week as unique among weeks of the year, as it is the week in which we solemnly recall the events that brought about our salvation. The rituals of the Church throughout this week both remember and make present the passing of Jesus from death to new life. Bold signs and symbols are everywhere during this week, as they tell a powerful story of faith.
The spiritual journey of Holy Week moves quickly and dramatically from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to His Passion and Death. Holy Thursday rituals, including the institution of the Eucharist, are like a refreshing pause, a few hours of rejoicing before the full reality of Jesus’ suffering envelopes us on Good Friday. Then there is a quiet waiting until the glory of the Resurrection dawns upon us at the Easter Vigil, continuing on Easter Sunday, and throughout the Octave of Easter.
Many of the liturgies of Holy Week do not feel like they are finished, as we get up and walk out without music or ceremony. We are left to feel as if there should be something more, and truly we ought to feel that way, for indeed there is more. The best way to truly enter into the experience of Holy Week is to come to the liturgy of each day. Please consider doing that, even if you have never done it before. All of Holy Week should be experienced as one great liturgy, culminating in the Easter Proclamation, “He Is Risen, Alleluia!”
We wish you all a very Blessed Easter. May the peace and joy of the Risen Lord fill your hearts and your homes throughout the Easter Season.
Bishop Matthew Ustrzycki Fr. Ian Duffy
Fr. Bill Foote Deacon Quinto Tami
Seminarian Luis Inacio Basilica Parish Staff
Confessions During Holy Week
Saturday, March 27 10:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Tuesday, March 30 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday, March 31 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Palm Sunday - March 27/28
Vigil Mass of Palm Sunday Saturday at 5:15pm
Palm Sunday Masses 9:00am, 10:30am, and 12:00noon
Weekday Masses During Holy Week
Monday of Holy Week 9:00am
Tuesday of Holy Week 9:00am
Spy Wednesday 7:30am & 12:15pm
(Adoration Wednesday Morning)
Holy Thursday - April 1
The Office of Lauds (Morning Prayer) 9:00am
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00pm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for one hour after Mass
Good Friday - April 2
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion 9:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm
(Please Note all three Liturgies are the same Liturgy of the Passion. However, because of Covid restrictions, there is an extra Liturgy this year to enable more people to attend)
Stations of the Cross 7:00pm
Holy Saturday - April 3
The Office of Lauds (Morning Prayer) 9:00am
The Solemn Easter Vigil 8:00pm
Easter Sunday - April 4 -
PLEASE NOTE: Two extra masses have been added to accommodate more people for Easter Sunday based on COVID restrictions and to maintain proper distancing. No tickets will be distributed for Easter Masses but admittance will be limited to adhere to provincial guidelines which is approximately 150 per mass.
Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, and 12:00pm PLUS newly added mass at 1:30 pm