Today, we are blessed with ashes and begin the journey with the catechumens toward the celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery through the traditional Christian practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving/charity/mercy.
The commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when our Lord established the sacrament of Holy Communion. It also commemorates His institution of the priesthood.
O God, who on this day through your only begotten Son, have conquered death and unlocked for us the path to eternity, grant, we pray, that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection may, through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life.
The Feast of Mercy is for souls open to receive Christ's forgiveness and grace; for the lost, that they might be found; and for those struggling to grow in faith, hope, and love, that they might be refreshed and strengthened.
After 11:00am Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Sacrament will be processed by Archbishop Sample to Couch Park for exposition and a rosary. Benediction will take place back at the Cathedral.
Archbishop Sample is leading a pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Lisbon. Our trip includes stops in Fatima, day pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago concluding with Mass at the Basilica, St. Teresa's hometown of Avila, and Madrid.