Holy Week is approaching, and we are moving toward commemorating the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

As we journey back through the pages of history to rediscover the roots of our faith, the spirit of those holy events rises to meet us with fresh relevance today. With the eyes of our hearts, we can still see and witness the jubilant cries of ‘Hosanna’ welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem, and the chilling shouts of ‘crucify him’ on Good Friday. We can hear Jesus praying from the cross, and we can feel the overwhelming joy of the apostles as they behold the risen Lord.

From the seven last words of Jesus on the cross to the risen Lord’s bestowing of peace on the apostles, written first in Greek, then Latin, and now English, have come to us through the ages.

As we read, contemplate, and pray these Gospel passages, we are filled with awe at Jesus’ submission to God's will, which led him through an excruciating passion, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. His victory over death and sin has imbued our existence with meaning, value, and salvation.

Holy Week begins this year on Sunday, April 13th. The Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday at 7:00 PM, Good Friday at 3:00 PM, and the Easter Vigil at 8:00 PM) will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Essex. I warmly invite everyone to join us for these sacred celebrations.

May the God of life bestow upon us the joy and peace of Easter!

Fr. Peter