In the tradition of the Christian Faith, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the solemn time when we commemorate the journey of Jesus Christ through His passion, death and resurrection. In past years, we gathered together to pray and to ponder the events of the week, but this year is different.
For the past few weeks, we have felt lost, hopeless, fearful, frustrated and depressed. Rather than coming together to seek the comfort of community, we are being told to shut down, to stay home.
In a prayer offered recently by Pope Francis, the pontiff compared the current global situation to a fierce storm that “exposes our vulnerabilities and the superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and our priorities. ” In this turbulent time, we are called upon to choose what matters and separate what is necessary from what is not.
In order to get our lives back on track, we are encouraged to be courageous, to practice self-denial, to face the hardships, and to make room for creativity and innovation; and to find new forms of hospitality, fraternity and solidarity.
St. Louis Parish in Pittsford took up the challenge. To meet the needs of the faithful, Palm Sunday Mass was live-streamed and there was a drive-through distribution of palms. On Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be live-streamed; and on Good Friday, the Solemn Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord will be live-streamed, as will the Stations of the Cross.
Holy Saturday, parishioners will be able to view the Easter Vigil Mass on line, and on Easter Sunday, Mass will be followed by a procession of cars praying through town–a novel Easter Parade–showing our solidarity in faith. It will certainly be different!
As we look forward to and work toward brighter days, stay safe, be well, and be hopeful. Best Wishes for a Very Blessed Easter.
Lots of LovEstelle
Mea culpa! Due to an error on my part, the order of Tears of My Heart will not be delivered until April 30th. I am embarrassed, disappointed and most of all sorry. Thank you for your understanding, your patience and most of all your love.
God bless us all as we strive to be connected to our faith, our families and our friends. I am sure that this time can be used in prayer for the return of those who have lost faith.
Thanks very much, Estelle. We hope that you are doing well, staying happy, safe and healthy.
St. Joseph’s Church in Penfield also has been streaming virtually every traditional Lent, Holy Week and Easter function with great parishioner turnout. We Stream morning mass, Taize Prayer, continuing RCIA preparation, hosting meetings, daily 3pm Rosary, plus other functions. It’s not the same, but it’s an important and welcome initiative. The Knights of Columbus stream meetings.Congrats to St. Louis, and the same good wish to all other churches, mosques, and synagogues taking advantage of today’s religious resources . JimG