Holy Week celebrated around the Archdiocese of Newark (Photos)
This last week, parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, holding Masses and prayer services and leading processions through the streets during emotion-filled days.
Local churches were filled with the faithful during Holy Week as parishes prayed and celebrated uniquely and at all hours. Revisit Holy Week, day by day, from the perspective of those parishes in the slideshows below.
Palm Sunday – April 2
Palm Sunday marks the first day of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Parishes blessed palms and paraded through local streets in song.
Holy Thursday – April 6
Holy Thursday celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorating Jesus’ final gathering with his disciples, during which he washed their feet and instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist before he died.
Priests washed the feet of the faithful and accepted the oils blessed at the Chrism Mass.
Good Friday – April 7
Good Friday commemorates the Passion of Christ. Christ’s suffering and death is observed with prayer and silence.
Parishes held solemn liturgies and reenacted the Stations of the Cross in churches and towns.
Holy Saturday – April 8
Holy Saturday commemorates a day of waiting — when the Apostles waited as the body of Jesus lay in his tomb. The Paschal candle is lit from within a darkened church to symbolize Jesus’ light entering the world.
Parishioners gathered together in waiting for the resurrection, holding Easter Vigil at night and welcoming new members into the church.
Easter Sunday – April 9
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his victory over sin and death.
Parishes celebrated the resurrection of Jesus with flower-filled churches and joyous Masses.
Pictures of Holy Week are courtesy of the parishes of the Archdiocese of Newark. Any professional photography displayed is the property of the attributed parish.
