2025.04.13 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Dear Parishioners,

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the holiest season of the liturgical year. Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd who hail Him as a King. At the Last Supper Jesus gave to us the gift of the Eucharist and the priesthood to continue His mission. He suffered greatly and lovingly gave His life for our eternal salvation. On the third day His tomb was empty because He had risen and triumphed over sin and death. His victory has become our victory. What a great week! I invite you to fully enter into the sacred liturgies of Holy Week and allow them to draw you into the great Paschal Mystery.

On Tuesday of the Holy Week, the clergy and the faithful of the Archdiocese will gather with His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo at the Cathedral for Chrism Mass at 11.00 a.m. During this special Mass, the three sacred oils—the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of Sacred Chrism and the Oil of the Sick—will be blessed by our Cardinal for Sacramental use in Parishes throughout the year.

On Holy Thursday, at the beautiful Eucharistic celebration at 8.00 p.m., we will receive the Sacred Oils and we will have the washing of the feet. At this liturgy, we re-commission all of our parishioners doing ‘ministry’ in any way. I especially invite all those involved in parish ministry here at St. Rose of Lima to be present for this special celebration. Following our Holy Thursday liturgy we will have Adoration until 12:00 midnight. Parishioners are invited to come and spend some time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

On Good Friday, we will have the Seven Last Words of Jesus at 9.45 a.m.  The celebration of the Lord’s Passion will take place at 12 Noon and at 3.00 p.m. We will hear the Passion Narrative from the Gospel of John and we will venerate the Cross of Christ, who offered his life to give us life. We will have Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m., followed by Divine Mercy devotion.  

On Holy Saturday, in our solemn Easter Vigil at 8:00 p.m., we will bless the new fire from which the new Pascal Candle representing Christ will be lit and carried in procession. In this beautiful liturgy, our RCIA candidates will be welcomed into the Catholic Christian community through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

May we all be transformed by what we celebrate and grow in holiness as we unite ourselves to Christ who suffered, died and rose from the dead for us all.

Fr. Vijai, C.S.C. ~ Pastor