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Holy Thursday – Mass of the Oils. This celebration traditionally takes place in the cathedral of each diocese on the morning of Holy Thursday and is presided over by the diocesan bishop. During this mass, the sacred oils—specifically, the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens—are blessed, and the Oil of Chrism is consecrated. These oils are subsequently distributed to churches throughout the diocese for use in the upcoming year. Additionally, the bishop is accompanied by clergy from across the diocese, symbolizing the unity of the diocesan and universal Church. The clergy renew their commitment to priestly service before the bishop and the congregation. The first reading (Isaiah 61:1-3, 6a, 8b-9) emphasizes the presbyteral order—those ordained for sacred ministry who continue the work of God following the example of Christ. The second reading (Revelation 1:5-8) reflects on Christ's redemptive act of cleansing sins with His blood and predicts that those who pierced Him will wit...
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  Holy Thursday - Evening Mass  Exodus 12:1-8,​11-14 Psalm 115(116):12-13,15-18 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15 THE LOVE OF JESUS IS PERFECT  What virtue is essential for becoming a true follower of Jesus? It is humility. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he conveyed a powerful message that if He, as their Lord and Master, demonstrated this ultimate act of love and humility, they too must serve one another accordingly. This act was intended to ensure that the faith established through Peter would endure. Jesus understood that without humility, there would be no opportunity for faith to develop and flourish as it has today. However, practicing humility is not always easy. Nevertheless, it is through humility that individuals can grow in knowledge and develop a closer relationship with Jesus. It is also through humility that we can influence others to follow Christ. Humility is the pathway to becoming Christ-like and, ultimately, to sainthood. Do we genuinely desir...
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  Wednesday of Holy Week  Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalm 68(69):8-10,21-22,31,33-34 Matthew 26:14-25 AVOID GREED , BETRAYAL AND DESPAIR  A poet once declared that “sharper than a serpent’s tooth is a thankless child.” But consider this: what about a disciple who would betray his own Master—an apostle who could sell out Christ? This was not even the worst part of the suffering Jesus had to endure. The Church remembers this betrayal to remind us that any of us could fall into the trap of Judas. Judas Iscariot was given one of the greatest religious privileges—an apostle, a close companion of Christ, witnessing miracles and hearing sermons that even prophets like Abraham and Moses never saw or heard. He journeyed with Peter, James, and John, yet his heart remained untouched by love for God because of greed.  Judas' betrayal has become the ultimate symbol of treachery—yet his story could have been different. He had immense potential and the chance to be remembered alongside Peter a...
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The Lord knows the intentions of our hearts

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  Tuesday of Holy Week  Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 70(71):1-6,15,17 John 13:21-33,​36-38 The Gospel for today is drawn from the scene at the Last Supper (John 13:21-38), in which Jesus reveals to the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Judas is identified as the betrayer when Jesus shares a piece of bread dipped in wine with him. Simon Peter, feeling anxious, inquired, "Lord, who is it?" effectively asking, “Is it I?" or "Am I the one destined to betray my Lord?" It is noteworthy that none of the disciples distinguished themselves during this moment or in the subsequent days. They did not stand out as exemplary figures of faith or courage. Instead, they appeared frightened, uncertain about their safety, and unclear about what the future would hold.    Perhaps we are like them, living in some sort of state of denial, thinking that we are doing the right thing and that everything will turn out all right, but we are actually going in the opposite direction. We mi...
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DOING GOD’S WILL CONQUERS FEARS

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  Monday of Holy Week  Isaiah 42:1-7 Psalm 26(27):1-3,13-14 John 12:1-11 On this exhilarating Monday of Holy Week, we embark on a powerful journey with Jesus during His final days before His glorious Hour: His death and resurrection. Our first reading highlights the incredible person of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of ancient covenants. It's as if God is dedicating His Son for the extraordinary work He is about to accomplish. The gospel story propels us toward the dramatic Passion at week's end. Today, we witness a remarkable moment: a woman named Mary anoints Jesus' feet, and He reveals she will need this ointment again at His burial. While Judas is resentful over the ointment, Jesus affirms Mary’s pure-hearted intention. This reading also foreshadows Judas’s betrayal later this week. Meanwhile, the chief priests continue their sinister plot against Jesus. Jesus predicts His upcoming death, instructing Judas to preserve Mary’s ointment for His burial. We often fear dea...
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  Passion Sunday [Palm Sunday] (Year A)   Mt 21.1-11;   Isaiah 50.4-7;   Ps 21;   Phil 2.6-11;   Mt 26.14-27.66   This is the moment we’ve been waiting for: the incredible start of the Great Week! Palm Sunday kicks off what is arguably the most thrilling week in our Catholic calendar. The triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem sparks the beginning of an epic drama in human history. Though this story has become so familiar, it truly is the greatest story ever told, and today we begin to celebrate it with awe and excitement. Our hero? None other than Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Everything that unfolds during Holy Week is the divine plan of the Father. And each of us has a role to play in this magnificent drama—because we are all part of the story, bearing responsibility as sinners who, through Christ’s Passion, are offered a path to salvation. His suffering was necessary to free humanity from the crushing weight of sin and death. As Christ...
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The Lord will guide us as a Shepherd guards his flock.

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  Saturday of the 5th week of Lent Ezekiel 37:21-28 Jeremiah 31:10-13 John 11:45-56 As Passion Week approaches, today’s gospel reveals a story of fear and faith. The Sanhedrin plots secretly against Jesus, worried about losing power and driven by anger over the Romans. Meanwhile, Jesus' miracles, like raising Lazarus and healing others, increase belief in Him, alarming the Jewish leaders who plan to kill Him. Belief in Jesus grows unexpectedly—from His predictions to healing miracles—and some call Him Messiah. Caiaphas, the High Priest, seeks to maintain power and peace, but ironically, his words reveal God’s plan: Jesus will die to gather God's children. The readings remind us of God's protection. As Holy Week begins, walk with the disciples toward Jerusalem, embracing the salvation story and your role in it.  May the Lord bless you with life and purpose.
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