Holy Thursday

With the celebration of the Holy Thursday Liturgy begins the shortest of the Church's Liturgical seasons: the Sacred Triduum. We remember our priests particularly today as we celebrate the institution of the Holy Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist. 

In the convent, Holy Thursday is a special day of prayer. Along with our daily Holy Hour for priests, each of the sisters has a private hour with her Spouse. It is a very special time to thank Him for the very gift of Himself given this day, to thank Him for His priests who bring Him to us, and to beg of Him all the graces necessary for ourselves, our priests, and the Church to live out His New Commandment of Love.

After a beautiful "family" dinner, we will gather with the faithful around our Bishop to celebrate this holy day and to thank God for the priceless gifts we received from Him. Below is an old reflection on the priest:

"A Memorial of the Priestly Life"

​In the center, and below each of the vignettes showing events in the life of a priest, are words taken from a very old devotional work:

"O Priest, who are you?
"You are not from yourself, because you are from nothing.
"You are not directed toward yourself, because you are a mediator for men.
"You are not wed to yourself, because you are the spouse of the Church.
"You are not your own, because you are the servant of all.
"You are not yourself, because you are 'God' [when playing the role of Jesus in the Sacraments].
"Thus, you are nothing and yet everything."
"This is how a man should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

Image and translation from Holy Cards for Your Inspiration