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Easter 2007

Diocese of Meath

Holy Week Ceremonies – “From the Cross, Jesus opens the door to God”

After 40 days of preparation during Lent, parishes across the Diocese of Meath will mark Holy Week with special ceremonies in all churches. Complementing the good work being done in every parish to celebrate Holy Week, Bishop Smith encourages parishioners to participate in the ceremonies.

Bishop Smith says “Holy Week gives us the opportunity to reflect on the most important events of our faith, namely the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here we see the extent of God’s love for us – this is how far God will go to show us that he loves us. In his resurrection, we hear the greatest news of all: that Jesus has put an end to death and opens for us the way to new life. This makes the Cross a sign of contradiction – yes there is pain in this life but Christ shows us a way forward: he carries the Cross with love.”

Mullingar Parish begins the commemoration with the annual Chrism Mass in the Cathedral on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. Bishop Smith joins with priests and parishioners from across the diocese. The Bishop will bless the Holy Oils for use in the sacraments (baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and ordinations) while the clergy renew the promises of their priesthood.

On the following evening, the Holy Thursday ceremony takes place in Mullingar Cathedral at 7.30pm, which this year includes the blessing of new lay Ministers of Holy Communion. On Good Friday, an outdoor ‘Way of the Cross’ will makes its way from Saint Paul’s Church along the canal walk to the Cathedral, beginning at 12noon. The principal ‘Celebration of the Lord’s Passion’ takes place in the Cathedral at 3pm, the hour traditionally observed as the time when Jesus died on Calvary. A special dramatised ‘Stations of the Cross’ will be held that evening in the Cathedral at 7.30pm, led by Bishop Smith. The Bishop will also preside at the Easter Vigil celebration in the Cathedral on Holy Saturday night at 9pm.

Navan parish is getting ready for Holy Week with themed Daily Masses on Monday to Wednesday and a Penance Service on Tuesday evening in St Mary’s Church at 8pm.

Bishop Smith will preside at the Holy Thursday ceremony in St Mary’s, Navan at 8pm, which concludes with a procession and solemn adoration until 11pm. On Good Friday, the Bishop will lead the ‘Stations of the Cross’ in Saint Oliver’s Church and the ‘Celebration of the Lord’s Passion’ in Saint Mary’s Church at 3pm. The Holy Week ceremonies end with the Easter Vigil (Saturday 8pm) and Mass of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning.

Bishop Smith focuses on the image of the Cross. He says “Last Sunday, Pope Benedict reminded us that on the cross Jesus opened wide the door between ourselves and God. Now that door is open. But from the other side the Lord knocks at the doors of the world, at the doors of our hearts, which are often closed to God. Even if the words of Scripture and the message of the Church leave you indifferent, then look at Jesus on the Cross and see his love for you. Let that image touch your heart this Holy Week”.