Life Through Death

One year after a global pandemic shut down public gatherings during Holy Week and Easter Sunday, churches in the diocese of Baton Rouge opened under guidelines issued by Bishop Michael G. Duca.

The protocols for Holy Week as well as the triduum, which are considered the “holiest three days” of the liturgical year, were similar to what had been issued by the Holy See, according to Episcopal Vicar Father Jamin David.

On Palm Sunday, March 28, processional palms were blessed at the beginning of the ceremony and distributed in some fashion, but no processions from one place to another were allowed.
Holy Thursday’s tradition of washing of the feet also disappeared. Also, the Blessed Sacrament procession remained in the church.

The veneration of the cross Good Friday was held without touching or kissing of the cross, although the faithful were able to venerate the cross by bowing.

Even the Chrism Mass was celebrated one day before its traditional Wednesday of Holy Week date and, for this year only, was moved from St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge to St. George Church in Baton Rouge. In-person attendance was limited to invitation only because of physical distancing regulations.

But here the healing oil of God’s constant presence flowed. With a stunning backdrop of light interplaying off the gold and green panels of the stained-glass window above the altar and shimmering of the red and white cloths draped from the side of Jesus on the altar’s crucifix, attendees were reminded of God’s mercy.

Bishop Duca was joined by the priests, deacons and lay representatives of the diocese’s church parishes for the blessing and distribution of oils.

Bishop Duca blessed three oils – the oil of catechumens (oleum catechumenorum or oleum sanctorum), the oil of the infirm (oleum infirmorum) and holy chrism (sacrum chrisma) – which will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the year.

The priests’ presence also manifested their unity with the bishop and the church.

Referring to the Gospel readings of the day from St. Luke 4, the bishop noted in his homily that in the temple of Nazareth Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.

“He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.

“After rolling up the scroll, Jesus handed it back to the attendant and sat down and said, ‘Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.’”

Addressing the priests, the bishops noted how Jesus spoke with confidence that was not simply the authority of power or embracing a vocation.

He said as many priests approach their ordination, they have a confidence because they were “going to be a priest.”

He added even today many young seminarians believe they are “going to save the church” through their service. But quickly they learn the priesthood is not at all like they thought it would be.

But like the apostles, God calls them to leave everything behind and to follow him.

“That’s part of the priesthood, dying to self. We don’t run from it, we embrace it,” said the bishop.

Following Christ leaves them “free to love and free to embrace his mission,” according to the bishop.

At the conclusion of Mass, the recessional hymn “Church of God Elect and Glorious” played as people left the church, warmly greeting pastors and appearing fortified to journey with Jesus through his Passion in the triduum until it reaches its high point at the Easter Vigil.