Monday of Holy Week How will we journey during Holy Week.

 

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HOW WILL WE JOURNEY DURING HOLY WEEK?

Monday of Holy Week holds particular significance for Catholics as it marks the beginning of the most important week in the liturgical calendar, leading up to Easter Sunday.

Covering statues and images in Catholic churches is indeed a tradition that often takes place on Monday of Holy Week. This practice is known as "veiling" and typically involves draping purple or violet cloth over religious statues, icons, and sometimes even the crucifix.

The purpose of veiling is to:

The purpose of veiling is to create a sense of solemnity and focus during Holy Week. By covering the images, the faithful are encouraged to concentrate on the Passion of Christ and the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. It also serves as a visual reminder of the mourning and penance that characterizes the season of Lent, and particularly Holy Week.

The veiling usually lasts until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, when the coverings are removed during the liturgy to symbolize the resurrection of Christ and the joyous celebration of Easter.

In addition, we may wish to think about what our Holy Week could be so that we enter into it fully.  Here are some suggestions

1.  Daily Mass: Attending daily Mass is encouraged during Holy Week, as it provides a time for reflection and prayer leading up to the Easter celebration. On Monday, the Gospel reading often recounts Jesus' anointing at Bethany by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.

2. Stations of the Cross: Also known as the Way of the Cross, this devotion involves meditating on the 14 events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. Although typically observed on Good Friday, some communities may pray the Stations of the Cross daily throughout Holy Week.

3.  Scripture reading and reflection: Catholics are encouraged to read and reflect on the Passion narratives in the Gospels during Holy Week. This includes meditating on the events leading up to the crucifixion, such as Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and his betrayal, trial, and death.

4.  Fasting and abstinence: Catholics are called to engage in fasting and abstinence throughout Lent, which includes Holy Week. This may involve giving up certain foods or activities as a form of penance and spiritual discipline.

5.  Prayer: Engaging in personal and communal prayer is an important aspect of Holy Week. This may include attending prayer services at church or setting aside time for individual prayer and reflection at home.

6.  Confession: Many Catholics take advantage of the sacrament of Reconciliation during Holy Week, as a means of spiritual cleansing and renewal before Easter Sunday.

7.  Acts of charity and service: Emulating Jesus' example of humble service and love, Catholics are encouraged to participate in acts of charity and service during Holy Week. This may involve volunteering at a local soup kitchen, donating to charitable organizations, or performing acts of kindness within the community.

Though these practices are not exclusive to Monday of Holy Week, they help create a spiritual atmosphere that allows us to enter more fully into the Paschal Mystery and prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter.