The Great Easter Triduum begins on Holy Thursday. In the morning the Mass of Sacred Chrism is celebrated at the Cathedral. This is a great occasion for the whole diocesan family and especially this year as it was the first Chrism Mass to be celebrated with our new shepherd, Bishop John.
At this Mass the priests of the diocese together with the religious priests serving in the diocese renew their commitment to priestly service. The Bishop thanked us for making his translation from Westminster to Salford so easy and for our warm welcome to him.
The Bishop hoped that we were looking after ourselves physically by taking a regular day off and fostering good friendships especially with priests for no one understands a priest like a brother priest. He also hoped that we were looking after each other and supporting each other so that together priests and Bishop will be at the service of the people of God.
In the evening we gathered for the celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper. This year the Triduum is celebrated at St Marie's Church.
At this Mass we commemorate the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacred Priesthood. At this Mass the priest washes the feet of twelve parishioners in imitation of the Lord who washed the feet of his first priests, the apostles.
At the end of Mass the Blessed Sacrament is transferred to the Altar of Repose for Silent Adoration and spending time with the Lord in prayer as he enters Gethsemane.
Here are a few moments from our liturgy.
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| The Holy Oils blessed by the Bishop at the Cathedral this morning |
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| Censing the Altar |
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| The Canon of the Mass |
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| Preparing for the Procession |
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| Washing of Feet |
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| Incensing the Blessed Sacrament before the Processioin |
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| The waiting Altar of Repose |
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| The Procession |
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| The Procession |
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| Sweet Sacrament Divine |
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| The Stripping of the Altar |
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| The Sanctuary laid bare |
