Holy Week and Easter Schedule
The Basilica of Saint Mary welcomes all to celebrate the vibrant beauty and traditions of Holy Week and Easter. The most important days of Holy week, known as the Sacred Triduum, begins with Holy Thursday on April 17 and continues with Good Friday, April 18, Holy Saturday, April 19, and Easter Sunday, April 20.
Holy Thursday, April 17
7:00pm: Celebration of the Lord’s Supper:
The congregation takes part in the tradition of washing of the feet, a beautiful act of compassion, following Jesus’ example.
Good Friday, April 18
Noon: Stations of the Cross: This ancient custom allows participants to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as they remember the last moments in his life leading up to his death on the cross.
3:00pm: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: This solemn service commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus. Central to the service is the passing of a large cross.
7:00pm: Celebration of the Office of Tenebrae
This service commemorates the death of Jesus and his descent into hell. Tenebrae is Latin for shadows/darkness.
Holy Saturday, April 19
7:00pm: Celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection
The Easter Light is shared with members of the congregation as their candles are lit. All walk into a darkened church filling it with candlelight.
Easter Sunday, April 20
There are a variety of beautiful Easter liturgies.
7:30am: Sunrise Mass, a peaceful celebration.
9:30am and Noon: Festive Masses with The Basilica Cathedral Choir, organ and brass. Includes a large entrance procession of cross, banners, candles, and bells.
4:00pm: Masswith Mundus Contemporary Ensemble.