FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Members of the Province Gather for the Liturgies of Holy Week
Holy Thursday
In commemoration of the Lord’s Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the impending passion and death of our Savior, the Province members, along with some graduates of our schools as guests, gathered at Meribah, Chaminade Retreat House. Fr. Thomas Cardone, SM was the principal celebrant. In his homily he reminded us that is “truly food for our journey though life towards God; food for our own spiritual growth; and food for our mission.” During the Eucharist, we observed the traditional washing of the feet, as well as a special blessing of a newly crafted tabernacle for the Meribah Chapel. Following the Mass, there was an opportunity to adore the Holy Eucharist, held in exposition on the altar.
Following the liturgy, all move from the “Table of the Eucharist” to the “Table of Fellowship” for a community celebration of a traditional Passover Meal. Amidst special prayers, the brief ceremony included the lighting of candles, blessing of the matzo, wine, the bitter herbs and lamb. Finally, all shared this special meal in fraternity.
Cemetery Visit
A sacred tradition within the Province is the visit to cemetery on Holy Saturday morning. Here, at the tombs of the members of the Province who have passed into Eternal Life, we pray for their souls, and recall with thanksgiving their lives and apostolic service. In a special way, this year, we recalled our recently departed members, Bros. Gary Eck and Richard Hartz.
Once our prayer is concluded at the Province tomb, we process to the nearby gravesite of the Marianist Province of the USA, where in fraternal union, we pray for and recall the lives of those religious.
Easter Vigil
Arguably the richest liturgy of the entire year, the Easter Vigil celebrates to victory of Christ over sin and the infinite love of God for us. As we welcome the “Light of Life” in the blessing of the “new fire” and the lighting of the Easter Candle, we celebrate Christ’s conquering the darkness of evil. The ancient hymn, The Exultet, recounts this event and beckons us rejoice with the entire world. We listen to the 10 readings telling the story of our salvation and God’s unwavering faithfulness. We bless and sprinkle holy water, symbolizing the cleansing that the Cross has achieved and recalling our promises at baptism to reject the lure of Satan. We sing hymns of joy and exultation. Fr. Peter Heiskell, SM, Assistant Provincial, was the principal celebrant, with the other priests of the Province concelebrating and the members of the Province united at the Chaminade Community. Several guests joined the two communities for this liturgy and for a fraternal celebration following it.
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Easter Sunday
The joy of Easter continued, this time at Stella Maris, a retreat house of Kellenberg Memorial. Glorious weather contributed to a wonderful atmosphere. The celebration of Morning Prayer and the Easter Sunday Mass was first, followed by a delicious dinner. Fr. Albert Bertoni, SM, was the principal celebrant. A team of brothers prepared the celebratory meal. Later on, the two communities prayed Evening Prayer and then enjoyed dessert.
