Holy Saturday and Divine Mercy Novena Day 2

Holy Saturday is the second saddest day in the liturgical year. Certainly, Good Friday with the crucifixion is #1, but there is such an emptiness and grief that surrounds the idea of Jesus dead and alone in his tomb.

Even though we are busily preparing for Easter Sunday celebrations, take time to let the grief and sadness of all that occurred yesterday wash over you a little. Feel the grief, sadness and confusion that the apostles and Mary must have felt on that first Holy Saturday

Traditions

From Europe comes the tradition of bringing the food to be eaten on Easter Day to the church in a basket for a blessing. The basket could include things like:

• Bacon and/ham
• Butter – symbolizing the return of richness after the paucity of such goodies during Lent.
• Bread
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Sweets

Mulier Fortis via Flickr, licensed cc. 

Then make sure on Easter Sunday, everyone gets at least a bite of the blessed food.

The Blessing of the Easter Basket
How to Make Your House a Home, Rev. Bernard Stokes, OFM

The Easter Vigil

In 2020, there wasn’t an Easter Vigil for us because of the coronavirus. Instead, we had a bonfire and live-streamed the mass in the backyard.

But now that things are back to normal, the church looks more like this:

This year we don’t have anyone coming into the church, but Mr. Pete and I are participating in the music at the midmorning mass. After that, we look, forward to a nice dinner with family, where we will also talk to our sons in different states, hear of their adventures, and of course gush over the new grandbaby pictures!

Divine Mercy Day 2

Let us remember our religious priests, clergy, and church staff who have done so much to try and keep us connected during this pandemic.

The Divine Mercy Novena: “Second Day
‘Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My mercy flows out upon mankind.’


Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard — upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.”

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