Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
This weekend marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred week for Christians. Holy Week begins with Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday; and its highest point is the Holy Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday
The word “passion” derives from the Latin word “passio” meaning “to suffer,” which refers to the events of Jesus suffering and death that includes his entrance into Jerusalem, sorrowful prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, arrest, trials, suffering, and crucifixion. Jesus’ passion is a testament to God’s love and a means of redemption for humanity.
On Passion Sunday, we join our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world to carry palms to welcome Jesus into the holy city of Jerusalem, where He endured His passion. On Holy Thursday, we celebrate and commemorate the Last Supper, in which Jesus instituted two greatest sacraments: Priesthood and Eucharist. I mention “priesthood” because without the Priesthood of Jesus Christ there is no Eucharist. Thus, on this Holy Thursday, I ask for your prayer for the priests of the Church, namely the priests who have served you at Saint Polycarp. On Good Friday, we venerate the Holy Cross, on which Jesus was hung for our sins. On the Cross, Jesus died for us, so that we can inherit from and share with Him the gift of eternal life. On Holy Saturday, we celebrate at the Vigil Mass the Resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus teaches us that we believe not in a “dead” god, but in the God of Life. Please pray for great respect for human life.
As you carry the blessed palms on this Passion Sunday, I ask you to join me in thanking those who donate to us the palms, those who clean them, and those who prepare the sanctuary and the Holy Mass for us. Remember to join us after the 7PM Mass on Holy Thursday for the Eucharistic procession to the parish hall. Also remember that Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstaining from meat, except for those who are outside of the required canonical age or those with health conditions.
Together with my brother priests, I offer my fervent prayers for you and your family. I look forward to celebrating Easter with all of you. In Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Father Viet Peter Ho
Pastor
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