Celebrating Holy Week: Stories and Photos
Below, you will find links to stories from the Holy Week celebrations led by Bishop Robert Deeley, as well as a few other celebrations around the Diocese of Portland.
Palm Sunday
The week begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' triumphant entrance into the holy city of Jerusalem. By the end of that same week, the crowds will be shouting, "Crucify him!"
Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley
Chrism Mass
During the Chrism Mass, the oils that will be used in the sacraments during the coming year are blessed by the bishop and distributed to parishes. The Mass also brings together clergy from around the diocese, who renew their priestly promises.
Read the story and view photos
Mass of the Oils
During the Mass of the Oils, oils blessed at the Chrism Mass are presented and distributed to parishes in northern Maine, and the priests of northern Maine renew their promises.
Read the story and view photos.
Holy Thursday
The summit of the liturgical year is the Easter Triduum, which begins on the evening of Holy Thursday and concludes on the evening of Easter Sunday. On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the Institution of the Lord's Supper (Eucharist and priesthood) with its mandatum/command to "wash the feet" of others in imitation of Jesus Christ
Mass of Our Lord's Supper celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley.
Good Friday
On Good Friday, we celebrate the Passion of the Lord, who suffered and died on the cross on Calvary for our salvation. Parishes often pray the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that traces the steps Jesus took to his crucifixion.
Good Friday Passion service led by Bishop Deeley
Multilingual Living Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart Church in Portland
Students present Living Stations of the Cross.
Easter Vigil / Easter Sunday
Holy Saturday is a day of prayer as we "vigil" in anticipation of the Easter joy that comes to the world through the resurrection of Christ, which we celebrate with the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses. The Lord has risen! Alleluia!
Easter Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Deeley
Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord celebrated by Bishop Deeley
