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— On May 13, 1917, Our Lady first appeared to three shepherd children in the village of Fatima. The Blessed Virgin would appear six times to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta with a message to pray for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world. The final apparition took place on October 13, 1917, with […]

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— 25% savings on “Life of Jesus” and other select titles ~ through May 12, 2022 — please visit: www.theologicalforum.org

* * *** The Church honors two of the original Apostles, Sts. Philip and James, whose relics are kept in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles in Rome.

— St. Philip brought Nathaniel to the Lord: “Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ But Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” (Jn […]

* * *** St. Catherine (1347-1380) was a Third Order Dominican, mystic, activist, and author.

— St. Catherine wrote letters to rulers and clergy in defense of the Church and her influence proved to be significant. She was instrumental in the return of Pope Gregory XI from Avignon to Rome, ending the “Avignon Papacy.” Her short life is an example of courage; in word and deed, St. Catherine displayed her […]

* * *** We remember St. Mark, the great evangelist and martyr.

“And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, […]

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“He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and […]

* * *** “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.'” (Lk 23:34)

**The day of solemn and prayerful remembrance — we mourn the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ, Our Savior.

* * *** “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:24)

— The Sacred Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The evening Mass commemorates the principal events that took place during the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples prior to his arrest: Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood, and also gave us the New Commandment.

* * *** “Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.” (Mt 26:14-16)

— Spy Wednesday marks the day when Jesus was betrayed by Judas, the “spy” for the chief priests. — Today, some churches offer ‘Tenebrae’ (Latin for darkness): a solemn service focusing on the story of Christ’s Passion; psalms and readings are chanted by candlelight. For a live Tenebrae Solemn Service this evening, please visit: www.cantius.org

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“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. Those preceding him as well as those following kept crying out: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! […]

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