On Tuesday, March 31 the Chrism Mass will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains at 4:00 p.m., with Archbishop Robert G. Casey as celebrant. At the Chrism Mass, the archbishop is joined by the priests of the diocese. This Mass manifests the unity of the …

Why do Catholics wave palms on Palm Sunday, wash each other’s feet on Holy Thursday, or kiss the cross on Good Friday?

At a prayer vigil for peace in Rome at the beginning of Holy Week, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Teheran, appeals for peace for all war-torn regions, with a special plea for the Middle East and the Holy Land. By Valerio Palombaro The urgent call for peace in a …

In his Palm Sunday meditation in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, recalls that just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem for failing to recognize peace, He “weeps” today over a world, especially the Holy Land, still marked by conflict, suffering, and missed opportunities for …

Police stopped the two church leaders on their way as they were proceeding privately “without any ceremonial or liturgical manifestations,” and forced them to turn back. Light shines over the Edicule, traditionally believed to be the burial site of Jesus Christ, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the …

Palm Sunday marks the start of the one of the busiest and fullest liturgical periods of the year for the Catholic Church and the Vatican. St. Peter’s Basilica and Square are decorated with flowers for Easter Sunday 2023. | Credit: Pablo Esparza/EWTN News By Hannah Brockhaus March 28, 2026 at 4:00 …

As the Church celebrates Palm Sunday, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings, reflecting on the theme, “Palm branches & plot twists”. By Jenny Kraska Palm Sunday places us at the threshold of mystery. We begin with palms raised high, echoing the cries of the crowd: “Hosanna …

By Valerie Joy Escalona Manila, Philippines, Apr 18, 2025 / 08:00 am Every Holy Week, streets across the Philippines transform into open-air stages for one of the country’s most unique and deeply rooted Catholic traditions: the “Senákulo,” a dramatic reenactment of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This age-old …

The Holy See Press Office tells journalists that Pope Francis continues to show gradual improvements during his recovery at the Casa Santa Marta, and comments on the Pope’s unexpected visit to St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. By Vatican News The Pope’s convalescence continues according to the indications of the doctors, …

“‘It is finished’; and he bowed his head and handed over his spirit.” On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes her gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption. In the solemn ceremonies of Good Friday, …