From Crucifixion to Resurrection: Our Shared Journey through Holy Week

One of my coping mechanisms for our harsh Montreal winters is a visit to Papillons en Liberté at Le Jardin botanique. On entering the first greenhouse, the warm, humid air lifted my spirits, and I looked up through my foggy glasses at the tall palm trees. In the next room, begonias of subtle shades and massive size were surrounded by rich earth prepared for spring planting. Then the serene display of minimalist bonsai, followed by an astonishing variety of cactus which thrive in a dry and difficult climate.

Photo: Simon Villeneuve

After passing through two thick black plastic draperies, I came into a spacious greenhouse suffused with light, where butterflies of every size, shape, and colour flew about freely, to the delight of visitors of all ages, who smiled and laughed as they studied the delicate markings. On close inspection, we discovered larvae and caterpillars, reminders that the life cycle of these creatures is a symbol of the Resurrection. My joy was complete when I saw a pom-pom bush, whose pink blossoms could trim our birettas on Gaudete and Laetare Sunday.

My life-affirming journey through the series of greenhouses bore a remarkable resemblance to our experience of Holy Week, during which we accompanied our Lord during the last sombre days of His earthly ministry, through to the colourful explosion of joy that is Easter. On Palm Sunday, we celebrated His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As we processed around the church with our palm fronds, the hymns marked the rapid change of tone, from glory, laud, and honour to riding on to die. The sacred ministers changed from red to purple vestments, and the Passion was read.

The week continued quietly, with Low Masses and Station of the Cross. On Maundy Thursday, the sounds of bells and of the organ were heard for the last time. We recalled the Last Supper by washing feet, and celebrating the Eucharist in the context of its institution. The Blessed Sacrament was taken to the Altar of Repose, the church was stripped of its ornaments, and the overnight watch began.

We gathered at noon on Good Friday for Matins, Stations, and a solemn liturgy comprised of a second reading of the Passion, the singing of the Catholic Collects, the Veneration of the Cross, and then Communion. In the evening, we said Tenebrae, the anticipated Matins of Holy Saturday. After each reading, a candle on the hearse was extinguished. The Office ended in total darkness, accompanied by a cacophony of harsh noises.

The following evening, still plunged in darkness, the Easter Vigil began. The new fire was kindled and used to light the Paschal Candle, and from it, the tapers of the congregation. In these fragile yet steady beams, the Exsultet, the great Easter Proclamation, was sung and the prophecies were read. Water was blessed for the baptism of little Lea Michelle, and to fill the stoups and the aspersorium so that we could be sprinkled in memory of our own baptism. After the Litany of the Saints, the organ thundered, the lights blazed, and the splendid display of flowers were revealed in their glory. The First Mass of Easter began, as the thurifer did 'round the worlds' with his censor.

Our great joy continued on Easter Day, when 115 people crowded our church for the most magnificent High Mass of the year. Fasting was put aside for a great feast, and to celebrate Father Keith’s sixtieth birthday.

Once again, I give thanks to God for the Resurrection of His Son, for the astonishing effort and dedication which all the St. John’s People devote to its celebration, and for the great privilege of ministering amongst you. Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Wendy +