is the week during Lent before Easter Sunday. It begins with Palm Sunday and is considered the most holy of weeks during the entire church year.
Holy Week was officially called Passion Week for many years since Christians ponder the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
during this time. Early mention of this holy time is found in the writings of Saint Athanasius. By the 3rd century, holy week began
on Good Friday and was concluded with Easter celebrations. By the 6th
century, Holy Thursday had been added and holy week had been stretched to the full week.
On Palm Sunday, Catholics receive pieces of blessed palm branches and recall Jesus’ entry into the city of Jerusalem. Holy Thursday celebrates the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles, and
centers on his gift of the Eucharist. Holy Thursday is the day on which the Catholic priesthood was instituted. On Good Friday, Catholics are invited to think about the death of Jesus during bible readings and a litany of special prayers. Veneration of the cross is an important aspect of Good Friday services. From mid-afternoon
Friday until the end of the Easter Vigil, Catholics believe that Jesus’ body was in the tomb.
On Holy Saturday night the Paschal candle is lit, baptismal promises are renewed, and converts are often baptized and confirmed. This night is known as the Easter Vigil.
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