Fr. Don Saunders, S.J. kneels at the ninth Station of the Cross in Wednesday’s ceremony attended by the school community.

Stations of the Cross

Blue Jays gathered in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs on Wednesday to observe the Stations of the Cross in preparation for the holiest days on the church calendar. The Chorus sang “Adoramus te Christe” to open the ceremony. It is the Latin translation of the phrase, “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.” Between stations, the Chorus sang the Stabat Mater in English.

The Stations help Catholics make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer by reflecting upon Christ’s sufferings and death. It has become a popular devotions for Catholics to draw closer to Jesus by contemplating upon the Lord’s suffering.

The Easter Triduum, the most solemn days in the Church’s calendar, begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, continues through Good Friday, and ends with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Over the those three days, Catholics relive the passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord.

Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday, the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper recalls the night when Jesus gave the commandment to love one another, symbolized in the washing of the disciples’ feet and instituted the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders.

Good Friday and Nine Churches Walk

Good Friday centers on Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross for mankind. Jesus’ passion clearly demonstrates God’s love for all and offers us a model to serve God and each other.

On Good Friday, the Jesuit community is invited to join the Nine Churches Walk and reflect on the Stations of the Cross. The Nine Churches Walk begins at 8:45 a.m. at St. Mary’s Assumption on Josephine Street and will conclude at Immaculate Conception Church at approximately 1:30 p.m. The event is a solemn walking pilgrimage of nine historic churches in the Archdiocese of New Orleans while reflecting on Our Lord’s passion and death.

Although Good Friday is a fasting day, participants may choose to bring a light snack and water for the walk. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen or a hat. Be prepared to walk approximately four miles. Participants should arrange their own ride back to their vehicles after the walk.

View the Photo Gallery of the 2013 Walk

Holy Saturday

On Holy Saturday, the third day of the Sacred Triduum, the Church is in mourning, meditating on the Lord’s suffering and death. As on Good Friday, the sacraments are not celebrated.

The Easter season, beginning with the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, celebrates the joy and the promise of the resurrection of our Lord. Christ has risen and has opened a new chapter for all of mankind who are willing to accept God’s will.