Easter reflections from Gemma O’Doherty.
The sacred stillness of Holy Saturday holds a unique place in our spiritual journey - that profound pause between the Crucifixion and Resurrection, where we are invited to contemplate the mystery of Christ's rest in the tomb. Through ancient liturgical texts and thoughtful meditation, we explore this day not as empty waiting, but as fertile ground where the seed of Resurrection quietly germinates.
"Today I am plunged in anguish, but tomorrow I will break my bonds." This powerful antiphon sets the tone for our reflection on what appears as defeat but secretly harbors victory. We join Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus at the hasty burial of Jesus before walking through the profound symbolism of the Easter Vigil ceremonies—the blessing of new fire, the lighting of the Paschal candle representing Christ risen, and the gradual illumination of darkness as this light spreads throughout the congregation.
The beautiful paradox of Holy Saturday emerges as we contemplate both loss and anticipation. "The ...
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Stepping into the sacred space of Maundy Thursday, we explore the profound moments that transformed human history—the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood during the Last Supper. As Jesus took bread and wine, declaring "This is my Body" and "This is my Blood," He established a perpetual miracle of love that continues on altars worldwide.
The liturgy of Holy Thursday beautifully balances joy and sorrow. We begin with celebration—white vestments, flowers adorning the altar, the Gloria sung with organ accompaniment, and bells ringing joyfully. Yet this happiness gives way as the Blessed Sacrament is moved to the altar of repose, the church emptied, and the altar stripped—powerful symbols foreshadowing Christ's passion. The faithful are invited to keep vigil in prayer until midnight, when even this access is withdrawn as Jesus enters His imprisonment.
This episode takes an unexpected personal turn as I share the story of Father Raymond Zweber, the priest who rushed to baptize me as a ...
Anthony and I are cancelling tonight's members-only show. We are both exhausted and want to go into the Triduum strong. We might hop on at some point on Friday or Saturday. Sorry everyone!
I heard about this from my priest this morning but hadn’t actually seen anything from the Diocese till now. Here is the press release from the Archdiocese of Detroit.
https://www.aod.org/announcements-newsroom/newsroom/2025/april/update-on-traditionis-custodes-in-the-archdiocese-of-detroit
Really sad day for Detroit, over 30 parishes offer the Latin Mass, only one ICPK parish will be allowed to continue. They say the will consider to offer it at Chapels but the likelihood of this being more than a couple seems slim.
