Holy Week began with Palm Sunday, and we were blessed with fine weather for our Procession of Palms into the Abbey Church. During the service, we recalled Christ’s final triumphant entry into Jerusalem, before he his passion, death, burial and resurrection.
The Holiest days of the liturgical year (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) are known as the ‘Triduum’ from the Latin word meaning ‘three days’. Beginning with the beautiful Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the service includes a special ceremony known as the ‘Mandatum’ or ‘Washing of the Feet’ in which Fr Abbot washed the feet of a number of volunteers from the congregation, recalling the act when Christ himself washed his disciples’ feet following the Last Supper.
On Good Friday, during the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion service, a large crucifix is unveiled to the congregation in an ancient ritual, followed by a time of individual veneration of the Cross, whereby each member of the congregation profoundly kneels in adoration of our crucified Lord. The congregation was so large for this service, that the veneration of the cross alone to over 30 minutes.
The longest service of the church’s year takes place on Holy Saturday, and is called the ‘Easter Vigil’ since it begins at dusk on the eve of Easter Sunday. The service begins outside with an ‘Easter Fire’ from which the ‘Paschal Candle’ is lit – representing the Risen Christ, and processed into the Abbey Church as the priest proclaims ‘Lumen Christi’ – ‘Christ our Light’. The strong winds that evening caused a little concern that we would be unable to light the Paschal Candle, but all was well. The congregation followed the Paschal Candle into the Abbey Church, from which their own candles were light – flooding the church in candlelight, dispelling the darkness. The congregation renews their baptismal vows, and we were delighted to welcome a new member of the congregation to the Catholic faith.
Easter Sunday Mass saw the largest congregation we have ever possibly had for a Mass, to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, and his victory over sing and death. There was literally standing room only. It was an immensely joyous service and the Abbey Choir’s singing was enhanced by the addition of Onyx Brass who played from the organ gallery.
These important and holy services are a wonderful testimony to our Catholic faith. Christ’s 2000 year old message rings true to each of us today. Thank you to all who contributed to our special Easter services, and a blessed Eastertide to all from Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community.
Click Here to see all the pictures of Easter 2026.
