Holy Week and Easter at Lourdes
In Lourdes, as in all Catholic churches, Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, includes Maundy Thursday, celebrating the Lord’s Supper, and Good Friday, with the Office of the Passion. It ends with the Easter Vigil, during the night of Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil brings together, through its rites, all the elements of the Easter message.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week, which ends with Easter Sunday. Christians celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover. The religious celebration is marked by the blessing of the palm branches, still green and a sign of life.
Programme
10.00am: Blessing of the palm branches in front of the Rosary Basilica, followed by international Mass at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
3.00pm: Rosary at the Grotto
8.30pm: Rosary by torchlight
Maundy Thursday
Jesus instituted the Eucharist when he voiced the words, “Take, eat; this is my body” (Mt 26:26) as he shared the bread. Then, as he gave them the cup of wine, he said, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
During a solemn Mass, the gesture of washing the feet is repeated as a sign of forgiveness and service. Jesus invites us to follow him by doing good in the service of others.
Programme
8.30am: Office of Tenebrae at the Rosary Basilica
3.00pm: Rosary at the Grotto
8.30pm: Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
10pm: Eucharistic Adoration at the Rosary Basilica
Good Friday
Christians are called to fast, a process of penance and conversion, an expression of waiting for Christ. The office of Good Friday, known as the “celebration of the Lord’s Passion”, is centred on the proclamation of the Passion narrative.
Programme
8:30am: Office of Tenebrae at the Rosary Basilica
3.00pm: Rosary at the Grotto
4.00pm: Stations of the Cross on the esplanade
8.30pm: Office of Christ’s Passion at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil
On Holy Saturday, the Church remains at the tomb of her Lord. She meditates on Christ’s passion and death, as well as his descent into hell, while awaiting his resurrection with fasting and prayer.
The Church spends this great Sabbath close to Mary.
The celebration of the night of Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday is “a vigil in honour of the Lord” during which Catholics celebrate Easter, the passage from darkness to light, Christ’s victory over death.
Programme
8.30am: Office of Tenebrae at the Rosary Basilica
3.00pm: Rosary at the Grotto
8.30pm: Blessing of the new fire on Rosary square followed by the Easter Vigil at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of Christ
Easter is at the heart of Christian faith and hope. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the fulfilment of the Old Testament promises and confirms Jesus’ divinity.
Programme
9:30 am: International Mass at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
10.00 am: Mass at the Grotto
15:00: Rosary at the Grotto
5.00pm: Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and blessing of the sick
9:00 pm: Torchlight procession
