Paul Delaroche (1797–1856) 

The most sacred time of our liturgical year is upon us – the Triduum! We Sisters have been preparing our hearts and our Convent throughout all of Lent for these great mysteries. Now we pray we may participate as lovingly and worthily as possible in the re-presentation of our Lord and Spouse’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. 

We rejoice in the gift of the Most Holy Eucharist given to us on Holy Thursday. We keep company with our Lord in His Agony at the Altar of Repose. Good Friday is spent in prayerful silence. Our voices are only heard in the Church’s prayer and devotions for this day. Holy Saturday is spent in union with our Sorrowful Mother.

St. John Leading the Virgin from the Tomb  - William Dyce (1806-1864)

This is easier said than done. Naturally the day is bursting full of preparation and anticipation of the light of the Resurrection! Many in the world are already enjoying egg hunts, candy, and the company of family and friends. Yet in our preparation we strive to remember with Mary that there was a time when Jesus lay dead, sealed in the tomb, and in the grief and shock most of His disciples did not remember His promise to rise again. Mary alone kept Faith and Hope in her Son that first Holy Saturday. We Sisters want to imitate our Mother’s virtues, especially in circumstances where it is unclear how Jesus’ Resurrection will bring light to the crosses of our own lives.

Let us ask our Sorrowful Mother to intercede for us in these great days. By her prayers, may we live more perfectly the life of grace that Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection make available to us!