April 2022: Holy Week and Easter at Santa Rita Abbey

2022 Journal

We hope you had a blessed Easter rejoicing in the risen Lord Jesus! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The Liturgy of Light which begins the Easter Vigil, when the Paschal Candle is lit from the blessed fire and carried into the dark church, is always so meaningful in the face of all the suffering in our world. In 2020 and 2021 it was the Covid pandemic; this year it is Ukraine and its people who were foremost in our hearts. “Christ the Light!” Father Mark sang out; “Thanks be to God!” we responded.

Here are a few scenes from our Easter Triduum liturgies

Holy Thursday

“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.”

“This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

“Remain here and stay awake with me.”

Good Friday

“Behold, the wood of the Cross on which has hung the Savior of the world!”

Easter Sunday

We celebrated the Easter Vigil at 3:30 a.m. with Fr. Mark. For the Day Mass at 10:30 a.m. we were happy to have Bishop Edward Weisenburger presiding once again. The bishop and Sr. Lois Paha joined us in the monastic refectory for dinner afterwards.