The original version of this article was first published in The Rhode Island Catholic.
It was Holy Thursday Evening. The little boy wasn’t yet three years old. He was at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper with his grandmother. They are at Mass together almost every Sunday morning. As young as he is, he manages more or less to sit still during the Mass. Usually he and his grandmother sit on the outside aisle, but this time they were in the center aisle. The little boy had an unobstructed view of the main altar, which he seemed to enjoy as he was hanging off the pew looking at the sanctuary most of the time.
As soon as the priest came around the altar to distribute Holy Communion, the boy recognized the moment. He knew this was when he walked up with everyone else. He didn’t receive the host, of course, but he got a blessing. On Holy Thursday as soon as people got up for Communion, he jumped into the aisle and motioned to his grandmother to hurry as he excitedly jumped up and down. Over his small mask his eyes were smiling.
Enjoying a beautiful Spring day in Montreal
Sr. Dorothy Maher was out for a walk in the glorious sunshine on the grounds of Résidence Bon-Secours. It was her first time outside since last Autumn! She and Sr. Monica McKenna were happy to meet old friends on their stroll, from other floors, whom they haven't seen for quite some time. Monica is taking a break enjoying some refreshments.
Palm Sunday (the lead into Holy Week) presents us with many dramatic and contrasting scenes that stir our emotions. We hold and wave palm branches as a symbol of victory, triumph, peace, and eternal life. We carry palm branches as a tribute of waving joy, before Christ, victorious over death – also as a symbol of our fickleness, betraying Christ unto His Death.