Dear friends in Christ

We begin Holy Week commemorating the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem. Then we follow Him along the way of the Cross to Calvary; join with the Apostles at the Last Supper; and anticipate the joy and glory of the Resurrection on Easter Day. I say this each year, but the liturgy of Holy Week is not a piece of holy theatre; a sacred drama it is, but in the unique way that the Church makes present—through the power of the Holy Spirit—those saving acts of the life of Jesus: His Passion, death and Resurrection. I hope that we will all be able to live this week intensely in our own way, according to our ability, so as to derive as much grace and benefit as we can.

Although we are officially able to celebrate Holy Week without the restrictions in place last year, Covid cases are still high and rising. With this in mind the liturgies will have some simplifications to maintain appropriate hygiene. So, for instance on Good Friday, we may venerate the Cross by approaching it and making a genuflection or profound bow; touching is permitted, but no osculation.

As the war in Ukraine continues, we unite in our prayers for peace and reconciliation in Europe; we especially pray for the conversion of those who perpetrate violence and bloodshed. On Monday of Holy Week there will be a vigil of prayer with the London Church Leaders at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, Duke Street London W1K 5BQ (close to Bond Street Tube) between noon and 1pm; I shall be attending and if you are in that area on Monday you might like to join with us.

As we begin Holy Week, we do so accompanying the Blessed Mother, who supported her Son along the way, and who also accompanies us along the paths of this world, and especially at this time.

May God bless us all!

Msgr Kevin Hale