The religious of the Province of Meribah gathered, once again, in union with the whole Church, to commemorate the great events of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. As usual, the various liturgies took place through the different Province venues on Long Island. The richness of each liturgical rite, along with the fraternity we share, created both a holy and familial atmosphere. We were also pleased to be joined by a number of students graduates of our schools.

For the celebration of the Holy Thursday Commemoration of the Lord’s Supper, the Province members gathered at Meribah, Chaminade’s retreat house in Muttontown. It was a special time to recall the institution of the Eucharist, and reflect on this tremendous gift that Our Lord left us: His enduring presence in a real way. Several religious and graduates had their feet washed in the traditional gesture of Christ’s humble service. Following the Eucharist, we celebrated the traditional Sedar Meal, complete with matzah, Chazeret (bitter herbs), Charoset (fruit-and-nut paste), and, of course, lamb.

On Good Friday, the Kellenberg Community hosted the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, at 3 pm. It is simple, yet beautiful liturgy, including the Passion according to St. John; the Intercessory Prayers for all types of people in the world; the Veneration of the Holy Cross and reception of Holy Communion.

Holy Saturday is traditionally a very quiet day, as we reflect on Jesus being in the tomb. It is the tradition of the Province that all religious visit our cemetery plot to pray at the tombs of our brothers who have passed from this life to the next. It was a beautiful day, so the short time was very pleasant. After praying at the Meribah Province tomb, we processed to the nearby tomb of the Marianists of the US Province. Fr. Brandon Paluch, a member of the Province, who spending these days with us, led us in prayers at that tomb.

To celebrate the great Easter Vigil the members gathered on Saturday evening at the Chaminade Community. Beginning with the lighting of the Pascal Candle, from the new fire, and then processing with it to the Chapel to hear the story of our salvation, this celebration is the pinnacle of our liturgical year. After the 40 days of our Lenten observance, the Church joyfully bellows the words: “Glory to God in the highest…” to proclaim the joy of the Resurrection and the victory of Christ over sin and death. Following this celebration at the Lord’s altar, we continued the festivities with a fraternal gaudeamus.

Finally, despite a few raindrops, there was no lack of joy as the Province traveled to Stella Maris, Kellenberg’s Retreat House in eastern Long Island, to celebration Easter Sunday. We began with Morning Prayer and Easter Mass. Of course, the festivities continued after the liturgy, as all shared a delicious dinner together. Later, after Evening Prayer, and recalling that “all psalms end in ‘Glory be…’”, the celebration concluded with wonderful Easter desserts.

Now, the universal Church begins the seven weeks of Eastertide, a time of unbounded joy because our Lord loved us so much, that despite the fact that we were sinners, and he was sinless, obediently gave his life, that we might be saved. And His resurrection is testimony to his Divine nature, and the Father’s enduring love. Alleluia!